DPRK soldiers are already in Kursk region — Ukrainian intel reports

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that on October 23, 2024, the first units of the DPRK military that had been trained at Russian training grounds were already spotted in the Kursk region.

This was reported by the intelligence service on Thursday, October 24.

DPRK military in Russia

It is reported that North Korean soldiers are being trained at five military training grounds in eastern Russia: Baranovsky (Ussuriysk), Donguz (Ulan-Ude), Yekaterinoslavsky (Yekaterinoslavka), the 248th (Knyaze-Volkonskoye), and the 249th (Sergievka). According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (GUR), the number of military personnel transferred to Russian territory is about 12 thousand, including 500 officers, among them three generals from Pyongyang.

"The coordination of North Korean troops, which Russia plans to deploy in the war against Ukraine, will take several weeks. Moscow has appointed Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-Bek Yevkurov to oversee the training and adaptation of North Korean forces," the statement reads.

The GUR also reported that the North Korean soldiers sent by Pyongyang are being equipped with ammunition, bedding, winter clothing, footwear, and hygiene supplies. In particular, each North Korean soldier will be allocated 50 meters of toilet paper and 300 grams of soap per month, according to Russian standards.

"The Kremlin is placing significant hopes on the North Korean component in its war against Ukraine and its broader confrontation with the West," the statement added.

It is also worth noting that, in addition to ground troops, North Korea has sent fighter pilots to Russia, who will participate in combat operations against Ukraine.

Previously, it was reported that the U.S. Department of Defense had confirmed the arrival of North Korean military personnel in Russia for the first time, although the specific purpose of their mission remains unclear.