The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has reported that the Russian army is now deploying North Korean servicemen in assault operations in the Kursk region. These DPRK soldiers are integrated into combined units alongside Russian marines and airborne troops.
The Ukrainian Defence Forces have already inflicted casualties on the North Korean contingent. Notably, one of their positions in the Kursk region was effectively targeted using FPV drones. Preliminary estimates suggest that, as of 14 December, Russian units bolstered by DPRK personnel have suffered losses of approximately 200 soldiers.
Managing North Korean troops has proven challenging for Russia due to language barriers. This has already resulted in a “friendly fire” incident, where DPRK soldiers attacked vehicles from the Akhmat battalion, killing eight Kadyrovites.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, around 11,000 North Korean military personnel are currently stationed in Russia. These deployments are under strict counterintelligence measures enforced by the FSB. Russian soldiers and officers are subjected to rigorous checks, and their mobile phones and electronic devices are confiscated.