North Korean forces have been observed for the first time directly supporting and assisting Russia’s offensive operations against Ukraine.
The UK Ministry of Defence reported this on X, citing intelligence data.
According to British intelligence, North Korean military personnel in Russia’s Kursk region are coordinating reconnaissance and assisting Russian strikes on Ukraine.
It is noted that this is the first recorded instance of North Korean troops directly supporting or facilitating Russia’s offensive operations on Ukrainian territory.
Specifically, North Korean drone operators are helping the Russian army shell Ukrainian positions in Sumy region using multiple launch rocket systems.
“Although previously North Korean forces likely conducted tactical drone strikes and reconnaissance operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, their main role was conducting infantry offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in that area,” the report states.
The UK Ministry of Defence suggests that North Korea is using Russia’s war against Ukraine to enhance its own military capabilities.
British intelligence estimates that North Korean forces have suffered over 6,000 casualties in offensive operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, more than half of the roughly 11,000 North Korean troops deployed there.
The report emphasizes that any decision to deploy North Korean troops on Ukrainian territory would require approval from both Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
