The Ukrainian Defence Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence reported that the first North Korean military units trained in eastern Russia have arrived in the combat zone. These soldiers are being trained at five military training grounds in Russia’s east before their deployment in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities estimate that around 12,000 North Korean troops, including officers and generals, are currently stationed in Russia for training. Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has been tasked with overseeing the training of these troops, with Pyongyang supplying them with necessary supplies. Ukrainian intelligence believes that the Kremlin has high hopes for North Korean reinforcements in its war against Ukraine and have warned of their involvement in the fighting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on reports of North Korean soldiers in Russian territory for deployment in the invasion of Ukraine, stating that what Russia does is its own business and within the framework of a ratified strategic partnership treaty with North Korea. The European Union has condemned this move as a violation of international law, including the principles of the UN Charter. The EU expressed deep alarm at the reports of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, warning of serious consequences for European and global peace and security. The EU also condemned the increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, as well as arms transfers that violate UN Security Council resolutions.
The authorities in Kyiv, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have repeatedly warned of North Korean troops being sent to participate in the fighting in Ukraine. South Korea and the US have also raised concerns about the impending deployment of North Korean soldiers to the Ukrainian front. The North Korean troops stationed in Russia are being provided with supplies by both Pyongyang and Moscow, including ammunition, winter clothing, hygiene products, and standard rations. It is believed that Russia is training these troops for eventual deployment in the war against Ukraine, with high expectations for their role in the conflict.
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Russian territory for training and potential deployment in Ukraine was first reported by Ukrainian intelligence. It is estimated that there are currently around 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia undergoing training, including officers and generals. Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has been designated to oversee the training of these troops. President Putin has stated that Russia’s military goals within the framework of its strategic partnership treaty with North Korea are its own business, despite international condemnation and warnings of serious consequences. The EU has expressed deep concern over the reports and condemned the violation of international law.
The EU has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning of the consequences for European and global peace and security if North Korean troops are involved in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The EU has also condemned the deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, as well as the arms transfers that violate UN Security Council resolutions. European High Representative Josep Borrell stated that the EU would coordinate its actions with international partners on the issue, including considering retaliatory measures. The EU called on North Korea and Russia to respect international law and the principles of the UN Charter in their actions, expressing alarm at the reports of North Korean troops being sent to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. The situation remains a matter of international concern and poses a threat to regional stability and security.
