South Korean intelligence reports the number of North Korean troops stationed in the Kursk region.

The Russian regime has deployed at least 10,900 soldiers from North Korea in the Kursk region under the command of North Korean officers. The troops from the DPRK are engaged in combat operations alongside Russian forces against the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This figure is not precise, as besides personnel, dictator Kim Jong-un has provided his ally Vladimir Putin with heavy weaponry and armored vehicles.

This information was reported by the news agency Reuters, citing data from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea, as stated by Lee Song-kwon, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee.

It is noted that the North Korean soldiers have been assigned to a Russian airborne unit and marine corps in the Kursk region—these units have suffered severe losses during recent offensive attempts. Additionally, North Korea has supplied Russia with self-propelled howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, and other armaments.

Currently, South Korean intelligence agencies are trying to determine not only the exact number of DPRK troops in Kursk but also the precise data regarding casualties among North Korean soldiers or instances of their surrender to Ukrainian forces.

DPRK Forces in Ukraine

North Korean troops are located near the front line in the Kursk region, where they are conducting training using FPV drones. It should be noted that the movement of troops from North Korea to Russia has been tracked by satellite since late October. According to Western media, Russia has sent nearly 10,000 soldiers from North Korea, while Ukrainian intelligence estimates their number to be at least 12,000, including 500 officers, among them three generals. In South Korea, it is believed that there are about 11,000 DPRK military personnel in Russia.

At the same time, the Central Intelligence Agency confirmed that the North Korean military has already experienced baptism by fire and faced their first shelling. The DPRK soldiers have felt the impact of strikes from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is also worth noting that Mike Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee in the U.S., stated that the United States should consider the possibility of "direct military action" if North Korean troops enter the war in Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence has also confirmed the participation of North Korean military in combat operations against Ukraine on the side of Russia. According to their data, DPRK soldiers have completed their deployment in the Kursk region. The DPRK fighters are already engaged in active combat operations.