Kim Jong Un watched a cadet train on the parallel bars during his visit to Kang Kon Military Academy in Pyongyang, North Korea, on February 25, 2025. REUTERS
North Korea has sent another 3,000 soldiers to Russia in January and February, strengthening its support for Moscow’s war on Ukraine. This brings the total number of North Korean troops in Russia to around 11,000, according to South Korea’s military. So far, about 4,000 of them have been killed or injured in combat.
In addition to troops, North Korea has also sent large quantities of weapons. These include short-range ballistic missiles, 170mm self-propelled howitzers, and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. South Korea says Pyongyang is likely to send more weapons based on how the situation develops.
This increased support comes as world leaders gather in Paris to discuss Ukraine’s future and potential peace efforts. Although Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to avoid attacks in the Black Sea and protect energy facilities, a full ceasefire remains out of reach. Russia has demanded that sanctions on its banks and exports be lifted before agreeing to a larger truce.
Meanwhile, the partnership between North Korea and Russia is growing stronger. The two countries signed a defense pact last year, agreeing to provide immediate military aid if either one is attacked. Just last week, Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea and conveyed Vladimir Putin’s "warmest wishes" to Kim Jong Un. Shoigu emphasized that Putin is committed to fulfilling the agreements made with Kim.
The United States has expressed concern that Russia may start sharing advanced space and satellite technology with North Korea. This would add to the military equipment and training Russia is already giving Pyongyang in exchange for its support in Ukraine.
North Korean troops had been stationed in Russia's Kursk region since November to help repel Ukrainian forces. However, they were withdrawn from the front lines in January due to heavy casualties. South Korean lawmaker Yoo Yong-won, who recently visited Ukraine, reported that around 400 North Korean soldiers had died, while nearly 3,600 were wounded as of late February.
Reports have revealed that North Korean soldiers have used brutal tactics in Ukraine. Some have even detonated grenades rather than risk being captured by Ukrainian forces. Many of them carry handwritten pledges of loyalty to Kim Jong Un into battle.
Since the war began, North Korea has also shipped thousands of containers filled with munitions and military supplies to Russia. U.S. officials have confirmed that Russia has fired North Korean-made missiles at Ukraine. In return, Russia is providing North Korea with coal, food, and medicine. Moscow’s ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora, revealed that North Korea has treated hundreds of wounded Russian soldiers. He also mentioned that children of Russian soldiers killed in the war vacationed in North Korea last summer.
Meanwhile, South Korea warns that Russia may be helping North Korea develop its military technology. This week, Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of new AI-powered attack drones, which North Korea claims are designed to match modern warfare trends. South Korea’s military believes some parts of these drones, including internal components, may have come from Russia.
As fighting continues, Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine’s city of Kharkiv on Wednesday. At least nine people were injured, and civilian infrastructure was heavily damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying, “No country should have to go through this.”
In the U.S., President Donald Trump said in an interview that he believes Russia wants to end the war but might be stalling. “It could be they’re dragging their feet,” he said.
