Around 10,000 North Korean troops reportedly near Russia-Ukraine border

Roughly 10,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed near the Russian-Ukrainian border, according to South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-Kweun, who cited data from the National Intelligence Service, Euractiv reported.

Intelligence sources say that since September, North Korea has been gradually sending contingents of military construction workers to Russia. Around 5,000 of them are currently involved in what Moscow describes as “infrastructure reconstruction” in border areas. The agency has also detected preparations to expand North Korea’s military presence on Russian territory.

Seong-Kweun said that intelligence continues to observe consistent “signs of training and personnel selection in preparation for additional troop deployments,” suggesting a long-term collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Of particular concern are reports that indicate the deployment of regular North Korean army units. 

According to the assessment, Russia is compensating North Korea for its military support with financial resources, food supplies, energy, and the transfer of dual-use technologies.

Analysts believe that this cooperation helps Kim Jong Un’s regime sustain its economy and continue developing nuclear and missile programs despite international sanctions.