According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, North Korea is preparing to send up to 30–50 thousand military personnel to support Russia. He stated this in an interview with "Yadinye Novosti" on August 8.
On August 13, Japan's Kyodo News agency, citing Ukrainian military intelligence, reported that a new contingent of North Korean military personnel would be sent to Russia. According to sources, up to 50,000 North Korean troops could arrive in Russia by the end of November. They are said to serve in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions.
Zelensky stressed that the DPRK is gaining valuable experience in modern warfare by participating in military operations on Russian territory. For this reason, he called on South Korea to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine in air defense and drone production.
According to data, since the end of 2024, the DPRK has been sending its military personnel to Russia. Analysts reported that initially about 14–15 thousand North Korean fighters were sent to Russia. Later, military construction workers and sappers were also sent to Russia.
South Korean intelligence estimates the number of killed and wounded among North Koreans who fought on Russia's side at approximately 6,000. At present, Pyongyang has not published official statistics on casualties.
Some experts suggest that the new contingent may guard the rear front of Russian forces. This could allow Russia to deploy more of its own troops to the front line in Ukraine.
