North Korea Deploys 8,500 Troops Including Drone Unit to Support Russia

North Korea has significantly expanded its military support for Russia in the war in Ukraine, deploying a new wave of approximately 8,500 troops that includes a dedicated unit of drone operators capable of striking targets inside Ukrainian territory, according to Ukrainian intelligence. This development marks a new phase in the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, occurring as Ukraine faces critical shortages of air defense systems.

Major General Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, stated that the current North Korean forces are primarily concentrated in Russia's Kursk region. The contingent includes about 1,000 engineers and mine-clearing personnel, but the focus is on the roughly 400 drone operators. Skibitsky noted that many of these operators have gained experience from previous deployments and that their drones are expected to be used for both surveillance and attacks on targets within Ukraine.

While the new troops are not expected to fight directly on Ukrainian soil, Ukrainian intelligence assesses they will reinforce rear-area security and other responsibilities. This shift could free up Russian units currently assigned to rear...