North Korea is preparing to send between 25,000 and 30,000 additional troops to support Russian military operations in Ukraine, according to a new assessment by Ukrainian defense intelligence.

The deployment would significantly increase North Korea’s military presence in the conflict, following the secret dispatch of 11,000 troops in November 2024.

According to Western officials, around 4,000 of those soldiers were killed or injured. Despite the losses, cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has reportedly intensified.

CNN, citing Ukrainian intelligence sources, reports that Russia’s Ministry of Defense is capable of supplying the North Korean forces with weapons, equipment and ammunition.

It also suggests the troops may be deployed to combat zones in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to reinforce Russian units during large-scale operations.

The report notes signs of logistical preparations for the deployment. Additional cargo aircraft activity has also been observed at North Korea’s Sunan airport.

North Korea’s initial deployment was undisclosed until Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged it in April 2025.

Ukraine: North Korea to send 30,000 troops to support Russian forces