Reports from Ukrainian military, international news agencies, or official government statements

Ukraine Reports 12,000 North Korean Troops Arrived in Russia; Zelensky Warns Deployment on Oct 27-28

Oct 25, 2024, 10:01 AM

Ukraine's military intelligence reports that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops, including 500 officers and three generals, have arrived in Russia's Kursk region, where they are expected to support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. This number is significantly higher than South Korea's estimate of 3,000 troops. Each North Korean soldier is reportedly receiving a payment of $300 per month. The troops completed training in Russia's eastern military sites and were deployed to the combat zone as of October 23. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the North Korean soldiers could be engaged on the battlefield starting October 27-28, calling this an escalation by Russia and urging allies to press Moscow and Pyongyang in response. Berlin has also deemed the development a clear escalation. The presence of North Korean military personnel marks a significant development in the conflict, with heavy fighting continuing in the region.