North Korea is preparing to send additional troops and strike drones to Russia, according to intelligence reports.

This is reported by Yonhap citing South Korean intelligence.

“A comprehensive assessment of various intelligence data indicates that North Korea is preparing for a rotation or an increase in troop deployment [in Russia] while supplying 240-mm multiple launch rocket systems and 170-mm self-propelled artillery,” stated the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

Additionally, scouts observe signs that the DPRK is moving towards the production and supply of strike drones, which were first showcased during Kim Jong-un's inspection in November. At that time, North Korean state media reported that Kim observed tests of various types of kamikaze drones and urged their full-scale production.

DPRK's War in the Conflict Against Ukraine

In October, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported receiving information about Russia preparing two units of North Korean military consisting of 6,000 personnel each. On October 24, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed the arrival of the first North Korean units in the Kursk region. On November 7, reports emerged about the first casualties among North Koreans in battles in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not deny the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, citing the partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea. According to him, how the countries will implement the provisions of this agreement is “already our business”.

The Financial Times, referencing data from Ukrainian intelligence, reported that North Korea sent to Russia at least 50 of its self-propelled artillery systems (SPAS) and 20 upgraded multiple launch rocket systems.