A satellite image taken on May 18, 2025 shows a ship docked at the Dunai port in Russia.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to send up to 30,000 soldiers to support Russian forces in Ukraine. This massive troop deployment would significantly expand Pyongyang’s military involvement in the ongoing war and deepen its alliance with Moscow.
A Surge in North Korean Troop Support
Ukrainian intelligence assessments reveal North Korea’s plan to triple its military support for Russia. The additional 25,000–30,000 soldiers would reinforce Russian front lines, building on the 11,000 North Korean troops already deployed since November 2024. Despite suffering nearly 4,000 casualties during that initial mission, Pyongyang’s military partnership with Russia has only grown stronger.
Western intelligence sources have validated the Ukrainian estimates. They suggest that the new troops will be fully equipped by Russia, and many are likely to be placed directly into combat units.
Preparing for Combat in Occupied Ukraine
According to Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency, the North Korean troops are expected to participate in major offensive operations. Russia’s military is reportedly refitting aircraft to transport large numbers of foreign soldiers across Siberia, suggesting the scale of this planned deployment.
Satellite imagery has revealed activity indicating preparations are already underway. A Ropucha-class Russian ship capable of transporting 400 soldiers was seen docking at Dunai port in May—this same type of vessel was used during previous troop transfers.
Clues from the Sky and Sea
Further signs of mobilization include cargo planes, likely IL-76s, spotted at North Korea’s Sunan airport in June. These aircraft were used in last year’s troop movements, raising speculation that the same routes are being reactivated for the new wave.
The Open Source Centre, a UK-based intelligence non-profit, confirmed that both Dunai port and Sunan airport are showing renewed activity. These are strong indicators that another large-scale troop transfer is imminent.
Mixed Views on Troop Numbers
Jenny Town, a senior analyst at the Stimson Center, suggested that while 30,000 troops may be possible, a gradual deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 seems more realistic. She noted ongoing rumours of Russian generals training North Korean troops inside North Korea, pointing to deeper integration between the two militaries.
North Korea’s Risky Gamble
Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, warned that Kim Jong Un is risking his regime by exposing elite troops to frontline dangers. He noted that Russia’s reliance on North Korean forces highlights its growing dependence on authoritarian allies and its challenges with domestic troop mobilization.
Ukraine’s military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, also revealed that Russia is amassing 110,000 troops near Pokrovsk, signalling a possible new offensive in the region.
Russia and North Korea Strengthen Ties
On June 17, top Russian official Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang on President Putin’s orders—his second visit in two weeks. During the trip, he announced the deployment of 6,000 additional North Korean personnel, including mine-clearers and military construction workers, to rebuild damaged infrastructure in Kursk.
South Korea’s intelligence agency has also briefed lawmakers on Pyongyang’s preparation for another round of troop deployments, possibly starting as early as July or August.
Inside the Joint Operations
New videos and satellite images show a significant shift in how North Korean soldiers are integrated into Russian operations. In one video, troops train together in close-combat scenarios. Another shows North Koreans practicing with shotguns, used to combat Ukrainian drones.
An investigation also revealed the location of North Korean units outside Kursk, living in long-term dugouts and displaying handwritten Korean slogans in their trenches. Russian trainers have even introduced basic military Russian terms translated into Korean.
The Role of North Korean Missiles
Beyond ground troops, North Korea has also supplied Russia with military hardware. Ukrainian intelligence has recorded 82 missile strikes involving KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles. One such attack killed 11 civilians in Pokrovsk in January 2024.
Training manuals for North Korean artillery, translated into Russian, have also surfaced. These documents point to increasing interoperability between both countries’ armed forces.
Massive Weapons Shipments to Russia
In 2024 alone, Pyongyang reportedly sent over 100 ballistic missiles and 9 million artillery shells to Moscow. This growing military exchange has been accompanied by additional troop deployments, with at least 3,000 more North Korean soldiers reportedly arriving earlier this year.
A Strategic Long-Term Bet
Analysts believe North Korea sees long-term advantages in strengthening Russia’s reliance. “The more blood debt between them,” said Town, “the more North Korea gains in influence and favour.”
A Turning Point in the Conflict
This large-scale North Korean deployment signals a dangerous escalation in the Ukraine conflict. As the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang intensifies, global concerns about the militarization of totalitarian partnerships continue to rise.
