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North Korea to send 6,000 more troops to Russia under Kursk “restoration” label
North Korea has decided to send at least 6,000 more of its military personnel to Russia, with the stated purpose of helping restore infrastructure in Kursk Oblast, according to Russian officials. Earlier reports indicated that more than half of an initial 11,000-strong North Korean contingent had been lost during combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the same area.
Deployment plans confirmed by Shoigu
Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, announced the move following a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Interfax Russia reports that Shoigu specified the alleged composition of the incoming forces:
“Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong Un has decided to send one thousand sappers to Russia for demining operations, as well as five thousand military builders for restoring damaged infrastructure.”
Shoigu stated that the deployment followed negotiations aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries and enhancing North Korea’s support in rebuilding Kursk Oblast.
Shoigu also revealed plans to honor Korean People’s Army (KPA) soldiers who, according to Russian authorities, participated in military actions to “liberate Russian territory.”
“Our leaders decided to immortalize the heroism of Korean People’s Army soldiers who took part in combat operations,” he said.
As part of this initiative, new memorials will be constructed in both Russia and North Korea.
More than half of Pyongyang forces in Kursk lost earlier
The British Defense Ministry stated earlier that over 6,000 troops from the Korean People’s Army were lost during offensive operations against Ukrainian forces in the area. The total KPA presence initially amounted to approximately 11,000 troops, making the losses exceed 50%.
Last June, Russia and North Korea signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Pyongyang.
Related:
- UK intel: North Korea sent 11,000 troops to help Russia in Kursk—over half never came back
- Half of North Korea’s first missile shipment to Russia exploded in mid-air — now they strike Ukrainian targets with deadly precision
- Russia just gave North Korea the blueprint for Iran’s long-range killer drones, Ukraine’s spy chief says
- Russia receives 140 mm and 60 mm mortars from North Korea
- Kim Jong Un promises full support for Russia’s Ukraine war, says North Korea
- North Korea’s troops, shells, missiles aided Russia in war against Ukraine, breaching UN sanctions, report confirms
- North Korea supplied Russia with 9 mn rounds of ammunition and 100 ballistic missiles since 2023
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