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 troops in Russia could exceed 40,000.

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

Sources say that this force will not only participate in logistical tasks but also participate directly in attacks in the Donetsk region and areas controlled by Russia. Some experts say that Pyongyang could divide its troops into several batches, each batch of 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 imagery shows the presence of a military landing ship at the Russian port of Dunai – which has previously been used to transport troops – along with the presence of 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 assist in mine clearance and infrastructure restoration there. This area was the scene of fierce fighting between Russia and Ukraine in previous counteroffensive campaigns.

In addition to the ground operations, North Korean state media has also confirmed the deployment of troops 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. Leader Kim Jong-un held a memorial service for North Korean soldiers killed in action in Russia in April 2025, officially 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 believe that 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