![North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seen holding back tears as footage of North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia is shown on a backdrop screen during a performance by artists at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang on June 29, attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, who is visiting North Korea. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0702-KimJongun.jpg)
North Korea may deploy up to 30,000 additional troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian intelligence obtained by CNN.
The intelligence report, cited by CNN on July 2, suggests that between 25,000 and 30,000 North Korean soldiers could arrive in Russia within the next few months. The Russian Ministry of Defense is reportedly preparing the necessary weapons, ammunition, and equipment to integrate these troops into Russian military units.
Ukrainian officials believe North Korean troops will likely be sent to fight in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine and participate in large-scale offensive operations.
Ukrainian intelligence also reports that Russia is refurbishing military aircraft to transport personnel. Satellite images reviewed by CNN show a transport vessel—similar to the one previously used to carry North Korean troops—arriving at the Dunay naval base near Vladivostok on May 18.
In addition, aircraft believed to be Ilyushin IL-76 transport planes were spotted at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport on June 4. CNN noted that these sightings may indicate that preparations for deployment are already in progress, and some personnel may have already departed.
Some experts have questioned the scale of the projected deployment. Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, said that while the estimated figure of 25,000 to 30,000 troops is high, North Korea may be capable of meeting that number—though likely not with elite forces.
“It depends on what Russia has requested,” said Town. She added that a figure closer to 10,000 to 20,000 may be more realistic and mentioned rumors that Russian generals have already been involved in training North Korean troops.
Last October, North Korea reportedly sent around 11,000 combat troops to Russia as part of an initial deployment. On June 17, following a visit to Pyongyang, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that North Korea would send 6,000 military engineers and construction personnel to help rebuild Kursk, a Russian city damaged during the war.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service previously stated that additional North Korean troop deployments could begin as early as July or August.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
