North Korean Troops Sent To Russia For Military Training, Poised For Deployment In Ukraine

North Korean soldiers have been filmed receiving uniforms and equipment at a training ground in Russia’s Far East, appearing to confirm reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) that 1,500 soldiers have been sent to Russia for military training ahead of deployment in Ukraine.

A copy of the questionnaire North Korean soldiers filled out after arriving in Russia, providing their sizing for hats, headgear, uniforms, and shoes

The troops are believed to be preparing for front-line action in Ukraine, signaling the growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. In a video shared with CNN by the Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security, a long line of soldiers can be seen waiting for their gear. While the low-quality audio makes their conversations unclear, the soldiers are thought to be speaking Korean.

Upon arrival in Russia, the North Korean recruits were asked to fill out forms for uniforms, hats, and shoes, with instructions written in both Russian and Korean. Another video, circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN, showed troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground near Russia’s border with China. A Russian voice in the background is heard saying, “There are millions of them here... This is just the beginning.”

This development aligns with Ukraine’s concerns that North Korea is gearing up for a more direct role in Russia’s war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned of the growing military cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at a NATO summit, he noted intelligence reports suggesting that 10,000 North Korean troops, including ground forces and technical personnel, are preparing to join Russia’s efforts.

South Korean media previously reported that a total of 12,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent, though this figure was not confirmed by the NIS.

If confirmed, this would mark a significant intervention by North Korea in an international conflict. Despite having one of the world’s largest armies, with 1.2 million soldiers, North Korea's military lacks extensive combat experience.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have been accused of secretly transferring arms, though they have denied these claims despite mounting evidence. Their relationship has strengthened significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the two pariah states pledging mutual military assistance.

During a visit to North Korea in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that their ties had reached a "new level." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voiced strong support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, framing it as a defense of Moscow’s sovereignty and stability. 

This military collaboration marks a new phase in the evolving relationship between the two countries, as they both face increasing isolation from the West.