Official statements from the South Korean government or credible news outlets

NATO Confirms North Korea's Deployment of 10,000 Inexperienced Troops to Russia's Kursk Region

Oct 28, 2024, 03:03 PM

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to Russia, many of whom are young, inexperienced, and possibly malnourished. These troops are moving toward the battlefield in the Kursk region to support Russia's efforts in the war against Ukraine, with combat operations expected to begin in a matter of days. South Korea shared intelligence with NATO regarding the deployment and has warned it may send weapons to Ukraine in response. The Pentagon has increased its estimate from 3,000 to 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to eastern Russia for training, with some already moving closer to Ukraine. NATO and the Pentagon view the deployment as a significant escalation and a dangerous expansion of the war, indicating Russian President Vladimir Putin's growing desperation.