Presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine may increase the strength of Russia’s offensive operations — ISW

According to data from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korea may send an unspecified number of troops to Russia for the war against Ukraine in July or August 2025, Reuters reported. The North Korean government will also continue to supply weapons to Russia.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that, with Ukrainian Defense Forces maintaining only a limited presence in Kursk Oblast, North Korean troops would likely fight alongside Russian forces on Ukrainian territory. This could mark a significant shift in the battlefield, potentially strengthening Russia's ability to launch simultaneous offensives in multiple directions.

However, analysts caution that the impact of North Korean support remains uncertain without further details on the size and composition of the contingent to be sent. It is also unclear how quickly North Korean troops will be integrated and become effective alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

Reuters published the intelligence on June 26, citing South Korean parliament member Lee Seong-gwon, who reviewed the information. Lee reported that North Korean troops could be deployed to Ukraine as early as July or August.