North Korea Deploys 8,500 Troops to Russia, Including Drone Operators, Amid Ongoing Military Cooperation

Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), told CNN that about 8,500 North Korean personnel are now stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, including roughly 1,000 engineers and deminers and 400 UAV operators. Ukrainian intelligence says the UAV crews will likely conduct reconnaissance and strike missions, while the broader force reinforces Russian rear positions.

United24 MediaNorth Korea sends additional troops to Russia, including drone operators – Ukrainian intel North Korean Troops in Russia Reach 8,500, Include Drone Unit

North Korea first sent troops to Russia in October 2024 to help repel a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk. Pyongyang confirmed the presence in April 2025. Ukrainian sources estimate 25,000 North Korean personnel have rotated through Russia, while South Korea’s DIA puts the cumulative total at more than 16,000. The deployments follow a mutual-defense treaty signed in 2024.

8,500 North Korean Troops Now in Russia, Ukraine Says The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) stated that North Korea has sent a new military contingent to Russia, including 400 drone operators Philippine Daily Inquirer

South Korea’s Defence Ministry says North Korea has supplied Russia with the equivalent of over 15 million 152-mm artillery shells. Ukrainian intelligence reports at least 150 short-range ballistic missiles (KN-23/KN-24) delivered, with 40 confirmed and 120 promised. Two missiles are suspected of being used in a July 30 strike on Radushne that killed four children. In exchange, North Korea has received a Pantsir-S1 system and has requested S-400 air-defence units.

CNN

The South Korean Defence Ministry, via lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, stated on August 24 that North Korea is preparing for a possible additional deployment but sees no imminent signs. Kim Yo-jong dismissed reports of a 50,000-person surge as “fabricated” on August 19.

Reuters

Skibitskyi warned that President Vladimir Putin could ask Pyongyang for up to 50,000 more troops at a September meeting with Kim Jong-un and noted the drone operators mark a shift toward technology-driven warfare.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) stated that North Korea has sent a new military contingent to Russia, including 400 drone operators

Putin, speaking on August 22, accused Ukraine of opening a “Pandora’s box” with strikes on Russian economic targets.

8,500 North Korean Troops Now in Russia, Ukraine Says

The deployment frees Russian forces for offensive operations and gives North Korea direct exposure to modern drone and missile tactics. Ukrainian intelligence says battlefield data gathered by North Korean units is already improving the accuracy of their ballistic missiles.

North Korean Troops in Russia Reach 8,500, Include Drone Unit 8,500 North Korean Troops Now in Russia, Ukraine Says CNN

Yu Yong-weon cautioned that the combat experience could later be applied to threats against the Korean Peninsula, highlighting broader regional security implications.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

• Troop totals: South Korean DIA estimates over 16,000 soldiers sent since October 2024; Ukrainian sources cite 8,500 currently deployed and a cumulative 25,000 rotated.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

• Missile deliveries: Ukrainian intelligence confirms at least 150 missiles supplied, with 40 delivered; the promised 120 remain unverified.

8,500 North Korean Troops Now in Russia, Ukraine Says

• Drone operations: Ukrainian officials predict UAV attacks, but independent verification is lacking.

North Korean Troops in Russia Reach 8,500, Include Drone Unit

Ukrainian intelligence says Putin may request up to 50,000 additional North Korean troops at the September summit with Kim Jong-un. South Korea’s Defence Intelligence Agency will continue monitoring allied intelligence for signs of further deployment.

Russia May Seek 50,000 More Troops From North Korea, Ukraine Says Philippine Daily InquirerCNN