Budanov: DPRK receives money and nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for soldiers

23 October, 2024 The military of the DPRK (North Korea) on parade. Photo: kcna.kp North Korea sends its troops to Russia to further participate in the war against Ukraine in exchange for money and nuclear technology.

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, stated this in a comment to The Economist. According to him, the DPRK military is already undergoing training at four training grounds near Khabarovsk and around it in the Russian Far East. Soon, about 2,600 North Korean soldiers are to be deployed to the Kursk region of Russia to take part in combat operations against the Ukrainian army.

Budanov told The War Zone that North Korean soldiers are expected to arrive on October 23.

DPRK special forces during one of the exercises. Photo credits: STR/AFP via Getty Images

It is noted that North Korea does not give its people or weapons to Russia for free. Moscow pays money and transfers technology for this.

According to Budanov, Russia is helping North Korea to circumvent sanctions and "strengthen" its nuclear capabilities. In particular, it shares some technologies for tactical nuclear weapons and submarine-launched missile systems. The expanded cooperation between the two countries in the military sphere is not happening out of the blue but is the result of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in June of this year.

DPRK military in the Russian Federation

Previously, the South Korean edition of Yonhap News Agency reported that 12,000 North Korean troops, including Special Forces, have been dispatched to fight in the war against Ukraine.

Subsequently, a video of North Korean soldiers training in Russia was posted online.

The base of the 127th Infantry Division and the location of the video

The Ukrainian OSINT project CyberBoroshno geolocated the shooting site (here) in the village of Sergeevka, Pogranichny district, Primorsky Krai. It is located just 230 kilometers from the border with North Korea.

The military units of the 127th Motor Rifle Division are located in this settlement. The unit is part of the 5th Combined Arms Army of the Eastern Military District.

DPRK military personnel in front of a MiG-29 fighter.

Photo: warfor.me

In addition, North Korea sent military pilots to Russia, who had to learn how to pilot Russian combat aircraft.

Newsweek, citing informed sources, reported that Russia may use them in the war against Ukraine.