According to South Korean intelligence, since September 2025, North Korea has sent nearly 5,000 troops to Russia. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This was reported by the Yonhap news agency. These soldiers are mainly involved in infrastructure restoration work, and it is said that among them are sapper units of about a thousand personnel engaged in mine clearance.
According to South Korean parliament member Lee Son Gwang, special training and selection processes have been conducted in North Korea for the troops sent to Russia. It is reported that currently nearly 10,000 North Korean soldiers are active near the Russia–Ukraine border.
In the fall of 2024, initial reports emerged about the participation of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. At that time, South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence identified them as units assisting the Russian army, while Moscow neither denied nor officially confirmed this information.
In April 2025, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the significant role played by North Korean soldiers in military operations in the Kursk region. In August, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally awarded commanders who actively participated in the battles.
According to Western and South Korean sources, about 15,000 North Koreans may have participated in the military actions in Kursk. It is estimated that between 500 and 1,500 of them have been casualties.
This situation is strengthening opinions that North Korea may end its direct military involvement.
