North Korean Troops in Russia's War Against Ukraine
Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Directorate has released new information confirming the active involvement of North Korean military personnel in Russia's war. As of February 2026, these troops are engaged in attacks on Ukrainian border communities from within Russia's Kursk region, operating under the direct command of Russian officers. This deployment marks a significant escalation in Pyongyang's support for Moscow's war effort. The North Korean soldiers are reportedly carrying out a range of combat duties, including:
- conducting artillery and multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) strikes,
- aerial reconnaissance,
- artillery spotting,
- and real-time fire control for MLRS units.
Under an agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang, a regular rotation of these military personnel stationed in Kursk Oblast is in effect. Approximately three thousand soldiers have already returned to North Korea, with most becoming military instructors. However, in January 2026, North Korea significantly reduced the volume of its military supplies to Russia. That month, only one Russian container ship was recorded docking at a North Korean port, compared to a minimum of three voyages per month from October through December 2025. The last recorded Russian vessel arrival was on December 21.
North Korea's Strategic Aims in the Conflict
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, a key objective for the North Korean army in the Russo-Ukrainian war is to acquire modern combat experience and master drone warfare technologies. This revelation underscores Pyongyang's active role in the conflict and a shift in its military strategy to bolster Russia. The involvement of North Korean troops highlights the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang amid broader global geopolitical shifts. The recent reduction in military shipments from North Korea may point to internal or international pressures facing the Kim Jong Un regime. These developments could significantly influence the future dynamics of the war and the strategic calculations of both nations.