North Korea to Send Additional Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War

South Korea's spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), briefed lawmakers on Thursday that North Korea is likely to send additional troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine in July or August. This assessment comes as Russian media reported that Pyongyang plans to send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to Russia's Kursk region. The NIS also noted that North Korea has been providing over 10 million artillery shells, missiles, and long-range weapons to Russia in exchange for economic cooperation and technical support. This troop dispatch and weapons support have significantly contributed to Russia's war efforts, with Russia currently controlling about 81 percent of the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk.

Key Takeaways:

• North Korea is likely to send additional troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine in July or August.
• The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has assessed that North Korea has been providing over 10 million artillery shells, missiles, and long-range weapons to Russia in exchange for economic cooperation and technical support.
• This troop dispatch and weapons support have significantly contributed to Russia's war efforts, with Russia currently controlling about 81 percent of the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk.
• North Korea has already begun a recruitment process for the additional deployment to Russia, indicating a deepening military alignment between the two countries.
• The NIS also warned of the potential for renewed conflict between Israel and Iran despite a ceasefire, with Israel and Iran potentially reengaging in the conflict for domestic and internal reasons.
• The South Korean government is implementing safety measures for its nationals in the region, securing vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, and enhancing monitoring for potential disruptions in the supply chains of crude oil and other critical items.

Statistics:

• North Korea is planning to send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to Russia's Kursk region.
• Russia currently controls about 81 percent of the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk.
• North Korea has provided over 10 million artillery shells, missiles, and long-range weapons to Russia in exchange for economic cooperation and technical support.

Sources:

• Yonhap News Agency (26 June 2025) North Korea to Send Additional Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War.
• Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (no specific date provided in the source material).