North Korean soldiers trained in Russia deployed to frontlines, Putin says ‘It’s our business’

The first contingent of North Korean troops, trained in Russia, has been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region as of October 23, according to a claim made by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.

Citing a report from Reuters on October 24, the intelligence agency stated that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including three generals and 500 officers, are now in Russia.

Kursk, located in southwestern Russia near the border with Ukraine, is an area where Ukrainian forces entered on August 6, capturing some territory and engaging Russian troops.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, mentioned in a media interview on October 22 that North Korean forces would be deployed towards Kursk on October 23, following an agreement in which North Korea would send troops to support Russia, including three generals and 500 officers.

Kyodo News, citing Ukrainian military sources, reported on October 23 that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers, after completing their training, were en route to Russia’s western region, near the Ukrainian border.

During a briefing, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, confirmed that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers were relocated to eastern Russia between early and mid-October.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service also revealed during a parliamentary intelligence committee briefing that about 3,000 North Korean troops have moved to Russia so far, with the total number expected to reach 10,000 by December.

In response to reports about the North Korean deployment, Russian President Vladimir Putin, while not denying the claims, stated on October 24 that “what we do with North Korea is our business.” He made these comments during a press conference at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Tatarstan, when asked by an American journalist about satellite images showing North Korean troop movements.

This marks the first time President Putin has addressed the issue of North Korean troop deployment. He also highlighted that the Russian State Duma ratified a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, which includes provisions for mutual military assistance. Putin expressed confidence that North Korea takes the agreement seriously, reiterating that “how we handle these matters is up to us.”

BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]