North Korea deploys drone operators to support Russia

North Korean troops Russia-North Korea military cooperation drone warfare Kursk region Ukrainian intelligence

Ukrainian intelligence officials report that North Korea has expanded its military support for Russia, deploying a new contingent of troops that includes a specialized drone unit. According to Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, approximately 8,500 North Korean personnel are currently in Russia, with many stationed in the Kursk region. This group includes 400 drone operators, 1,000 engineers, and deminers.

These drone operators are expected to use unmanned aerial vehicles for both reconnaissance and attacks on targets within Ukraine. Intelligence suggests these forces will primarily reinforce Russian rear positions rather than engaging in direct combat on Ukrainian soil, thereby freeing up Russian troops for offensive operations.

Skibitskiy indicated that during a potential meeting in September between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, Russia may request up to 50,000 additional North Korean soldiers. While Kim Yo Jong has dismissed reports of massive troop increases as a ‘groundless self-fabricated scenario,’ the deepening military partnership follows a strategic pact signed in June 2024.

Entities

Kim Jong Un · North Korea · Russia · Vadym Skibitskiy · Vladimir Putin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] North Korea has been sending troops to assist Moscow’s military operations since late 2024. www.24sata.hr · keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com
[● 4 SOURCES] President Putin may request up to 50,000 additional North Korean troops during a meeting with Kim Jong Un in September. www.24sata.hr · keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 8,500 North Korean troops are currently in Russia. www.24sata.hr · keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The North Korean contingent includes 400 drone operators and 1,000 engineers and deminers. www.24sata.hr · keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com
[● 4 SOURCES] North Korean troops are primarily deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. www.24sata.hr · keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Yo Jong denied claims that tens of thousands more North Koreans would join Russia’s efforts. keyt.com · kioncentralcoast.com · kesq.com

Sources

Kimova pomoć Putinu: Poslao i jedinicu za napade dronovima [www.24sata.hr]

about 2 hours ago

North Korea boosts support for Russia to include drone operators, Ukraine says [keyt.com]

about 3 hours ago

North Korea boosts support for Russia to include drone operators, Ukraine says [kioncentralcoast.com]

about 3 hours ago

North Korea boosts support for Russia to include drone operators, Ukraine says [kesq.com]

about 3 hours ago