Ukraine intelligence: North Korean troops continue fighting on Russia’s side

North Korean troops remain involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR MO) says that as of January 2026, North Korean forces are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, from where they are conducting attacks on Ukrainian border communities.

The GUR MO report states that these soldiers operate under Russian command. Their responsibilities include firing artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems, conducting aerial reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and adjusting rocket strikes.

A key focus of their deployment appears to be training in the use of modern unmanned technologies, which is described as one of the primary objectives of their involvement.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korean troops deployed in Russia are regularly rotated between Moscow and Pyongyang. Since the beginning of their participation in the war, around 3,000 soldiers have returned home, most of whom are now serving as military instructors to pass on the experience they gained.

Ukrainian authorities previously reported in October 2024 that North Korea had been preparing and sending troops to take part in the conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev