North Korea has already deployed about 11,000 elite troops to the war against Ukraine.
This was stated during a press briefing by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
“The use by Russia of North Korea’s elite contingent indicates not only a deepening dependence on totalitarian regimes but also real problems with its mobilization reserves. Together with our partners, we monitor these threats and will respond accordingly,” Umerov said.
According to him, these fighters are drawn from Kim Jong Un’s approximately 50,000-strong “personal reserve,” specially selected based on physical, psychological, and other criteria. These units have already suffered significant losses.
Umerov noted that after signing intergovernmental agreements, Russia is trying to use North Korea for its own purposes. Specifically, the so-called “military guarantees” between the states imply mutual assistance in case of war. But in practice, North Korea expends its resources, while Russia does not show reciprocal commitments. This situation is causing concern within North Korea itself.
The defense minister added that according to available information, Kim Jong Un considered sending an additional contingent to Russia. However, this jeopardizes his own security because it risks depleting the strategic reserve.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has lost several waves of this so-called elite North Korean reserve. The fourth wave of rotation is currently underway. This confirms the Kremlin’s limited ability to form new combat-ready forces and the high personnel losses.
The Ministry of Defense, together with partners, has detailed information about the movement and use of North Korean units and continues to analyze the threats. Possible further deployment of the Korean contingent may indicate a shortage of mobilization resources in Russia itself.
