KYIV, Ukraine — A recently surfaced video appears to depict a large group of North Korean recruits receiving Russian military attire and equipment, a move that Ukrainian officials believe is intended to demoralize Ukrainian troops. This development signifies an escalation in the ongoing 2.5-year conflict, introducing North Korea into the combat scenario alongside Russia.
The video has been authenticated by Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and Information. In the footage, individuals who are presumed to be North Korean soldiers can be seen queuing to receive bags, uniforms, and other military gear from Russian personnel. Although the authenticity of the video has been confirmed by Ukrainian authorities, independent verification remains unavailable.
Ihor Solovey, the director of the center, stated, “We obtained this video from our own sources. We are unable to offer additional validation from the providers due to security reasons.” He emphasized, “This video provides clear evidence of North Korean citizens receiving Russian military uniforms and direction. For Ukraine, this is significant as it marks the first video documentation of North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia during this war, not solely through weapons and ammunition, but also in terms of personnel.”
The center alleges that the footage was filmed by a Russian soldier in the past few days. This revelation follows comments made by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, who indicated that around 11,000 North Korean infantry are undergoing training in eastern Russia. He suggested that these soldiers could be prepared for combat by November, with approximately 2,600 of them expected to be deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, an area that witnessed a Ukrainian incursion in August.
Solovey pointed out, “The addition of any new troops poses a challenge as it will require us to seek out additional weaponry to counter them.” He underlined the significance of the video as a warning to the global community, indicating that with the involvement of two nations actively engaged in combat against Ukraine, there is an urgent need for increased support to address this aggression.
Should the claims about North Korean soldiers’ presence in Ukraine be confirmed, it would further exemplify the growing military collaboration between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two nations formalized a strategic partnership last summer, agreeing to assist each other with military resources. Moreover, North Korean weaponry has already been deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.