North Korean troops take up support roles in Russia’s Kursk Oblast

While performing second echelon duties for the Russian Armed Forces, these troops are enabling Russian commanders to shift their own troops to frontline positions.

Dec 5, 2024 - 23:00

North Korean troops take up support roles in Russia’s Kursk Oblast

North Korean soldiers, illustrative image. Photo via Wikimedia.

Russian Armed Forces are using North Korean troops for second echelon duties, related to support and security, in the Kursk Oblast.

By using North Korean forces for support duties, Russia can redirect more of its own troops to combat roles, potentially increasing offensive capabilities along the Ukrainian front.

As reported by the National Resistance Center of Ukraine, these troops are subordinated to the 11th Air Assault Brigade. Currently, North Korean troops are involved at observations posts and checkpoints, in addition to guarding areas where Ukrainian troops are concentrated.

In this way, Russian commanders are able to redeploy their troops to the frontline, thereby enabling the intensification of their offensive efforts.

Earlier this month, Zelenskyy said approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk Oblast, bordering Ukraine. However, he emphasized that Ukraine needs “to have proof” before disclosing the exact number of casualties.

North Korea and Russia have intensified cooperation following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, signing an agreement that obligates each party to provide immediate military assistance to the other in case of armed aggression.

Intelligence of the United States indicated that North Korea is preparing additional weapons shipments to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!