A senior Ukrainian intelligence official warned that the latest wave of North Korean troops in Russia includes a dedicated drone unit capable of striking targets directly inside Ukraine, according to a new CNN report.
CNN, citing Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, reported that there are already 8,500 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia.
This growing deployment signals a major expansion of the military cooperation between and Pyongyang, building on the mutual defence pact the two nations signed two years ago.
The current North Korean forces are primarily concentrated in Russia’s Kursk region. Key operational details outlined in the report include:
- The deployment features approximately 1,000 engineers and deminers.
- A 400-strong drone unit, utilising experience from previous deployments, is expected to conduct both surveillance and offensive operations within Ukraine.
- Russian President may request up to 50,000 additional troops during a scheduled meeting with this September.
- An estimated 25,000 North Korean soldiers have rotated through the Russian military to date, with initial deployments experiencing significant casualties due to mass-rush tactics.
Despite the buildup, Skibitskiy noted that North Korean troops are expected to reinforce rear positions rather than fight directly on Ukrainian soil, thereby freeing up Russian forces for frontline assaults.
Meanwhile, , Kim Yo Jong, strongly denied the claims of a massive upcoming troop surge, labelling it a “groundless self-fabricated scenario.”
Geopolitical pressures
This deepening alliance comes at a critical moment for Kyiv, which is currently facing a severe shortage of air defence systems. The partnership is also raising red flags across the NATO alliance.
These concerns have been further amplified following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to scale down joint US-South Korea military exercises in an effort to avoid antagonising the North Korean leader.
Munitions and technology exchange
Beyond providing manpower, Pyongyang is actively bolstering Russia’s munitions stockpile and missile capabilities. CNN highlighted several key facets of this technological exchange:
- North Korea supplied at least 150 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles before August of last year, with another 120 promised.
- Roughly 40 of these new missiles have been delivered, and Ukraine suspects two were used in a July 30 strike in Radushne that killed four children.
- Around 90 North Korean personnel are currently stationed in Voronezh to assist with launches, using the conflict to refine their targeting and payload capabilities.
- In exchange for this support, North Korea has requested Russia’s advanced S400 air defence system and has already received a Pantsir-1 surface-to-air missile launcher.
Russian general Lyamin takes charge of new drone warfare branch
Colonel-General Denis Lyamin has assumed the duties of head of Russia’s Unmanned Systems Forces, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Friday.
On August 5, Putin appointed Lyamin to lead the newly established branch of the military responsible for drone warfare.
The Defence Ministry said on Friday that Defence Minister Andrei Belousov had signed the relevant order, formally installing Lyamin in the post.
