North Korea Deploys Drone Operators to Russia, Ukraine Intelligence Says

A new wave of North Korean troops currently in Russia includes a drone unit capable of attacking targets inside Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, stated that there are currently 8,500 North Korean personnel in Russia. This group includes 1,000 engineers and deminers, as well as 400 drone operators who may use their equipment for both reconnaissance and attacks.

Ukrainian intelligence suggests these troops will primarily reinforce Russian rear positions in the Kursk region, which would allow Russian forces to be freed up for offensives within Ukraine. Skibitskiy added that approximately 25,000 North Koreans have been deployed or rotated through Russian forces since the first detachment arrived in October 2024. He further noted that President Vladimir Putin may request up to 50,000 additional soldiers during a meeting with Kim Jong Un in September.

North Korea confirmed in April 2025 that its soldiers were fighting against Ukraine. Estimates suggest 10,000 North Koreans were previously deployed and suffered significant casualties after using suicidal tactics to advance on Ukrainian positions. Wounded soldiers have since returned to North Korea to train others in drone warfare. Additionally, Skibitskiy reported that North Korea sent at least 150 KN 23 or KN 24 ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine before August of last year, with another 120 promised.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, has denied claims that tens of thousands more troops would join the effort, calling the reports a groundless scenario. The deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has caused concern among NATO members, especially following an announcement by President Donald Trump that military drills with South Korea would be scaled down to avoid provoking Kim Jong Un. Both reports frame the deployment as a sign that Russian resources are stretched thin despite public claims of economic and military resilience.