North Korean troops bolster Russian border near Ukraine

Some North Korean soldiers fighting on the side of Russia have been deployed in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. This information was provided by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

"Part of the DPRK forces has been moved to the border region of Belgorod," Kovalenko wrote on Telegram.

At the beginning of November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the presence of 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Russian Kursk region. The deputy head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Vadym Skibitsky, confirmed the movement of artillery systems and rocket launchers from North Korea to Russia. "We confirm what is being said in the media about the movement of equipment. Artillery systems and multiple rocket launchers have been transferred," he informed.

Russia does not possess 170 mm caliber ammunition, but North Korea has supplies of it. "This will allow Russia to (...) receive this ammunition," added Skibitsky. The participation of the DPRK army in the war on the side of Russia poses a threat to Ukraine, South Korea, and Japan. "Some North Korean military personnel will die in Ukraine, while others will return ready for modern combat operations and will be able to work as instructors in the DPRK army," noted Skibitsky.

Soldiers sent to Russia's war against Ukraine are gaining combat experience that is not available in South Korea, Japan, or China.