Sunday, August 31, 2025

N Korean Troops in Russia 8-31-25

AI Overview

There is no confirmed number of North Korean troops currently in Russia in 2025, but Ukraine's intelligence has suggested up to 30,000 more troops could be sent, adding to previous deployments of over 10,000 soldiers in 2024, as both North Korea and Russia have escalated their military cooperation with a mutual defense treaty. These deployments are thought to include combat troops, construction workers, and engineers, who are supporting Russia's efforts in Ukraine in exchange for aid from Russia.  

Deployment Details

·       2024 Deployment:

South Korean and Western intelligence reported that North Korea initially sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region

·       2025 Deployments:

Early in 2025, North Korea added another 3,000 soldiers to this deployment, bringing the total to over 14,000 troops. 

·       Potential Future Deployment:

As of July 2025, Ukrainian officials believe up to 30,000 more North Korean troops could be sent to Russia to bolster its forces. 

·       Types of Personnel:

The deployments include soldiers for combat, but also 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 combat engineers sent to the Kursk region. 

Reasons for Deployment

·       Mutual Defense Treaty:

The deployments follow a defense pact signed by Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin in 2024, obligating the two nations to provide military assistance to each other. 

·       Support for Russia's War:

North Korea has been a strong supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, providing much-needed troops and munitions. 

·       Exchange for Aid:

In return for sending troops and munitions, North Korea is believed to receive oil, food, and weapons technologies from Russia, which helps modernize its military. 

Consequences

·       High Casualties:

South Korea's intelligence agency reported over 600 North Korean soldiers killed and thousands more wounded in the conflict. 

·       Operational Difficulties:

North Korean troops have been considered easy targets for Ukrainian attacks due to a lack of combat experience and communication issues with Russian forces. 

As of August 2025, reports from South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western intelligence agencies indicate that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to Russia. This total includes an initial deployment in 2024, followed by additional deployments in 2025. 

Timeline of troop deployments

·       Fall 2024: According to officials, North Korea sent the first large contingent of soldiers, estimated at 10,000 to 12,000 troops, to Russia's Kursk region to assist in the fight against Ukraine.

·       Early 2025: An additional 3,000 to 4,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia.

·       June 2025: A Russian official announced that an additional 6,000 North Korean personnel, including military construction workers and deminers, would be sent to the Kursk region. South Korean intelligence separately confirmed that recruitment for this deployment was underway.

·       July/August 2025: Some South Korean intelligence officials have suggested that North Korea could send another 30,000 troops. 

Further details on the troop presence

·       Combat confirmation: North Korea publicly confirmed in April 2025 that its troops were fighting alongside Russian forces to "liberate" the Kursk region.

·       Reported casualties: South Korean intelligence has reported significant casualties among the deployed North Korean forces, including hundreds of deaths. North Korean state media later acknowledged combat deaths by holding a ceremony for fallen soldiers in August 2025.

·       Weapons and compensation: In exchange for the troops and extensive weapons shipments, Russia is believed to be providing North Korea with economic assistance and advanced military technology. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+n+korean+troops+are+in+russia+2025+ai

Comments

N Korean Troops had virtually no combat experience. Lending Troops to Russia gives them some combat experience.

The estimated population of North Korea in mid-2025 is around 26.5 million. North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to Russia. North Korea could send another 30,000 troops. 

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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