North Korean troops to join Russian forces in Ukraine conflict by November | VIDEO

World News: Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security released a video on October 18, allegedly showing North Korean soldiers in a Russian military camp. This development comes amid growing concerns that Moscow is enlisting Pyongyang's support to bolster its efforts in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. Reports suggest that around 10,000 North Korean troops are being readied to join Russian forces in the coming months.

First deployment of North Korean soldiers

Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that an initial group of 2,600 North Korean soldiers is expected to be deployed to Russia's Kursk Oblast, a region where Ukraine has maintained a presence since a cross-border incursion in August. According to Budanov, nearly 11,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia and are expected to be fully prepared to fight in Ukraine by November 1.

Footage of soldiers preparing for combat

The video, reportedly filmed at the Sergeevsky military camp in Russia’s Far East, near the North Korean border, depicts soldiers standing in line to receive military equipment. Although the Center for Strategic Communication did not disclose how the footage was obtained, it claimed the video was no more than 72 hours old. The authenticity of the video remains unverified, as noted by the Kyiv Independent.

International concerns

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that North Korea’s involvement alongside Russia poses a direct threat to Europe. He urged Western nations to increase military support for Ukraine, remove restrictions on long-range weapons, and strengthen defenses against Russian missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder commented on October 17 that while the U.S. has not confirmed the presence of North Korean forces in Russia, they are closely monitoring the situation.