North Korea to send 30,000 more troops to Russia

North Korea is stepping up military cooperation with Russia, preparing to send 25,000 to 30,000 more troops to support Moscow's military operations, in what is seen as Pyongyang's most aggressive move since the Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022.

North Korea had previously deployed about 11,000 troops to Russia by the end of 2024, and about 3,000 more were added this year. If this plan is implemented, the total number of North Korean soldiers in Russia could exceed 40,000.

North Korean forces join in supporting Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. Photo: Yonhap

Sources said that this force will not only participate in logistical tasks but also directly participate in attacks in the Donetsk region and areas controlled by Russia. Some experts said that Pyongyang could divide its troops into several waves, each wave from 10,000 to 20,000 people to facilitate transportation and coordination of operations.

Logistics for the new deployment have already begun to be prepared. Satellite images show the presence of military landing ships at the Russian port of Dunai – which has previously been used to transport troops – along with military transport aircraft at Pyongyang’s Sunan airport.

In addition to combat troops, North Korea will also send about 1,000 engineers and 5,000 technical workers to the Kursk region to support mine clearance and infrastructure restoration there. This area was the scene of fierce fighting between Russia and Ukraine in previous counter-offensive campaigns.

In addition to the ground operations, North Korean state media has also confirmed troop deployments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Russia late last year. The pact stipulates that the two sides will provide immediate military support if one is attacked, and coordinate responses to regional security challenges.

North Korean soldiers prepare to leave for Russia to join the war in Ukraine. Photo: KCTV

Military ties between Russia and North Korea have grown increasingly close in recent years. Kim Jong-un held a memorial service for North Korean soldiers killed in action in Russia in April 2025, formally announcing the role of his country's forces in the conflict.

There is no specific information about the exchange agreement between the two countries, but observers say Russia could support North Korea with food, fuel or technology in exchange for military support.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/trieu-tien-se-dieu-them-30000-quan-sang-nga-post1552352.html