US: About 8,000 North Korean soldiers have already been transferred to Kursk region

1 November, 2024 North Korean special forces during a military exercise. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images About 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now in the Kursk region of Russia and are preparing to join the war against Ukraine in the coming days.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated this on October 31 after a meeting in Washington between the US and South Korean defense and foreign ministers. "Right now, according to our estimates, there are about 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, and according to the latest information, about 8,000 of them have been deployed in the Kursk region," the U.S.

Secretary of State said. He noted that "the United States has not yet seen evidence of the DPRK military's involvement in the combat operations." "But we expect that to happen in the coming days," Blinken said.

The military of the DPRK (North Korea) on parade.

Photo credits: kcna.kp

He noted that Russia was training the DPRK soldiers, including the use of artillery, drones, and infantry on the battlefield, which "indicates a direct intention to use these forces on the front line." The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that if these troops took part in the hostilities and operations against Ukraine, "they will become the legitimate military targets."

The appearance of the first North Korean military in the Kursk region was recorded by the Ukrainian intelligence on October 23. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine detailed that the North Korean soldiers who had arrived in Russia were being trained at five military training grounds located in the east of the aggressor state: Baranovsky, Donguz, Yekaterinoslavsky, 248th and 249th. For involving its military in the war against Ukraine, the North Korean government receives money and nuclear technology from Russia, said Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

The flag of Ukraine and South Korea.

Photo from the network

Following information about the DPRK's involvement in the war on the side of Russia, Ukraine decided to officially request military assistance from South Korea.

This should happen in the near future.

Also, on October 30, Ukraine and South Korea agreed to intensify contacts at all levels due to the participation of the DPRK troops in the war on the side of Russia.