Ukraine and US officials are closely monitoring reports that North Korean soldiers could soon be aiding Russian forces in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, a unit of up to 3,000 North Korean troops may be forming in Russia’s Far East, marking a potentially dangerous alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denied the claims, US State Department officials view the development as a sign of Russia’s increasing desperation amid mounting battlefield losses.
The possibility of North Korean troops assisting Russia raises concerns beyond manpower. Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin’s alliance has already led to a steady supply of North Korean munitions for Russia, with recent reports confirming that Pyongyang has sent missiles, mines, and shells. Experts suggest that North Korean forces, if deployed, might not serve on the front lines but could secure border zones, freeing Russian troops for combat roles elsewhere. The deal, analysts believe, offers North Korea much-needed funds and access to Russian military technology, while Russia seeks a means to shore up its ranks without additional domestic mobilization.
This development could reshape the conflict’s dynamics and highlights Russia’s readiness to rely on foreign alliances to sustain its war effort. With concerns growing about foreign troops entering the conflict, President Zelensky and Western allies are watching closely as the once-unlikely Moscow-Pyongyang partnership deepens.
