Why a fresh wave of North Korean soldiers may fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine
BBC News explores the possibility of North Korean troops reinforcing Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
A New Wave of North Korean Soldiers
An enemy swarming the battlefield in large groups, disregarding fire from drones and automatic weapons—this was the impact of North Korea’s soldiers when they joined Russian forces in late 2024. Up to 3,000 died out of the 13,000 deployed.
Tactical Adaptation
Despite heavy losses, North Korean troops adapted their tactics, contributing to Russia’s success in driving Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. Now, according to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, an even larger force is imminent: up to 50,000 North Koreans set to be deployed in Russia, a revision from his earlier estimate of 30,000.
Disappearing Act
While their presence was initially denied by both Russia and North Korea, Ukrainian forces encountered them in November 2024. After their tactical success, the question arises: what happened to these soldiers?
"They’re still there," reveals Dr. Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He suggests they are preparing for another counterattack from Ukraine and may be in the Donbas area. However, he clarifies that these are not combat troops but engineers and workers.
Ukrainian Intelligence
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) estimates 8,500 North Korean servicemen remaining on Russian territory, organized into four brigades protecting the Russian-Ukrainian border in the Kursk Region. They do not participate in active combat operations.
A Game Changer for North Korea?
The Kursk deployment was a significant risk for Kim Jong Un, marking North Korea’s largest combat force ever sent overseas. Despite the losses, it offered numerous benefits to the isolated country, potentially setting a blueprint for future military cooperation.
North Korean soldiers, now acclimated to modern combat, could prove invaluable assets in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
