Ukrainian Intelligence Warns North Korea Expands Support for Russia with Drone Units and Ballistic Missiles

A new wave of North Korean troops, currently numbering 8,500 in Russia, includes a specialized drone unit capable of striking targets inside Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, stated that North Korea has been assisting Moscow's military operations since late 2024 under a mutual defense pact signed two years ago. President Vladimir Putin may request up to 50,000 additional troops when he meets with Kim Jong Un in September.

This escalation marks a significant expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang at a time when Ukraine is facing critical shortages of air defenses. Skibitskiy noted that the deployed North Korean forces are primarily stationed in Russia's Kursk region, including a thousand engineers and deminers alongside 400 drone operators. These operators bring experience from previous deployments and are expected to use drones for surveillance and attacks within Ukraine.

The deepening alliance is raising concerns among NATO allies, particularly following remarks from President Donald Trump regarding the scaling down of military drills with South Korea. Meanwhile, Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, dismissed reports of tens of thousands more troops joining the effort as unfounded. Ukrainian intelligence indicates these forces will reinforce Russian rear positions to free up troops for frontline assaults.

In addition to manpower, North Korea has supplied ballistic missiles, including at least 150 KN 23 and KN 24 units before August of last year, with another 120 promised. Skibitskiy reported that about 90 personnel have been deployed to Voronezh to assist with missile launches. In return for these munitions and personnel, North Korea has requested the Russian S400 air defense system and has already received a Pantsir 1 surface-to-air missile launcher.