Official statements from North Korea, Russia, or international military intelligence reports

North Korea to Deploy 12,000 Troops and Kamikaze Drones to Support Russia in Ukraine

Dec 23, 2024, 08:45 AM

North Korea is preparing to escalate its military support to Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to South Korea's military. The support includes deploying additional troops and supplying weapons, such as 240mm rocket launchers, 170mm self-propelled artillery, and potentially kamikaze drones. South Korean intelligence indicates that North Korea has already sent 12,000 troops to Russia, with an estimated 1,100 casualties. The move to supply kamikaze drones follows a recent test overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who emphasized their importance in modern warfare and ordered their mass production. This military cooperation is part of a deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia, with North Korea also receiving cash and oil in return for its support.