North Korea Plans to Send 30,000 More Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea is reportedly preparing to send an additional 30,000 soldiers to the front lines in support of Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, these troops will be directly involved in combat operations, significantly boosting Moscow’s military capabilities.
Reported by Kokcha News Agency:
North Korea is planning to triple its military presence on the front lines by sending up to 30,000 soldiers to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This information was revealed by Ukrainian intelligence officials, who warned that the new troops could be deployed to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories to engage in “direct combat.”
This move comes as Moscow has intensified its attacks on multiple fronts, with Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly seeking additional support from his ally, North Korea. In November, 11,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to the front lines to help repel a Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region. Western officials estimate that around 4,000 of these troops were either killed or wounded in the fighting.
Direct Involvement in Combat
Ukrainian intelligence suggests that the new wave of North Korean soldiers will likely be integrated into Russian combat units to reinforce their numbers, particularly during large-scale offensives. According to the report, these troops will play a direct role in the conflict, further escalating the situation on the ground.
CNN reports that Russia has the capacity to provide the necessary equipment, weapons, and ammunition for these additional forces.
Russian Military Aircraft Prepared for Transport
Ukrainian intelligence also claims that there is evidence of Russian military aircraft being reconfigured to transport troops. Additionally, a ship previously used to transport North Korean soldiers has reportedly returned to a Russian port, signaling preparations for another deployment.
North Korea’s Reconstruction Efforts
South Korean intelligence has indicated that North Korea is preparing to send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 mine-clearing specialists to the Kursk region. This follows a recent meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and senior Russian security official Sergey Shoigu, during which Kim reportedly agreed to send 6,000 military personnel to assist in the reconstruction of war-torn areas.
