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Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), confirmed that around 11,000 North Korean infantry soldiers are currently undergoing training in eastern Russia. They will be ready to participate in combat against Ukraine by November 1.
Budanov in a comment to The War Zone said this.
The head of HUR noted that these troops are expected to be ready for combat by November 1, using Russian equipment and ammunition. The first unit, consisting of 2,600 soldiers, will be deployed to the Kursk region. Information regarding the further movement of the remaining North Korean troops is currently unavailable.
“We do not yet have the full picture,” Budanov added.
On October 8, the South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that North Korea is likely to send part of its regular armed forces to Ukraine in support of Russia. On October 12, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that several thousand North Korean soldiers were undergoing training in Russia and could be deployed to Ukraine.
On October 13, Zelenskyy announced that North Korea is supplying not only weapons to Russia but also personnel for its military forces, urging partners to increase support for Ukraine. On October 14, in his evening address, Zelenskyy mentioned North Korea’s active involvement in the war.
On October 16, Zelenskyy added that North Korea is also sending workers to Russian factories. On October 17, Zelenskyy clarified that Russia intends to involve around 10,000 North Korean soldiers in the war against Ukraine.
Read also: Desperation or Strategy? Expert Oleksandr Kraev on North Korea’s Role in Ukraine
