Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency (HUR) announced on Thursday that the first unit of North Korean troops deployed to Russia has arrived in Kursk Oblast and begun preparations for combat.
New Voice of Ukraine (NVOU) cited HUR’s press release, reporting that troops had already arrived in combat zones after training in eastern Russia. It confirmed their stationing in the Kursk region as of February 23.
HUR revealed that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, including 500 officers and 3 generals.
They also noted that these troops are undergoing training at five military bases in Russia’s Far East.
Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-Bek Yevkurov reportedly oversees the training and integration of North Korean troops into the Russian military.
According to HUR, North Korean soldiers received equipment, bedding, winter clothing, military boots, and hygiene products, including 50 meters of toilet paper and 300 grams of soap each month.
HUR assessed that the Russian government has high expectations for North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine and its global competition with the West.
