If reports are to be believed, 400 drone operators are among the approximately 8,500 North Korean troops stationed in Russia. According to the Ukrainian intelligence agency, these drones could be used for surveillance and attacks inside Ukraine.
Updated: August 22, 2026, 11:53 AM IST
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Kim’s mega deal with Putin: North Korea sends drone unit to Russia in exchange for powerful S-400 Defence System (File)
North Korea’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war is no longer limited to sending troops. According to Major General Vadim Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, the new batch of approximately 8,500 North Korean troops present in Russia includes approximately 400 drone operators. It is claimed that the drones of these operators can be used to monitor and attack targets inside Ukraine. According to a CNN report, this information comes at a time when Ukraine itself is struggling with a shortage of air defense systems and interceptor missiles. If this deployment goes ahead, military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could reach a new level.
Putin may demand 50,000 more soldiers
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia may request 50,000 more troops from North Korea during the expected meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. This figure is significant because approximately 25,000 North Korean troops have been claimed to have arrived in Russia or are stationed there on a rotational basis. If the deployment of 50,000 additional troops occurs, it could be the largest expansion of military relations between Moscow and Pyongyang to date.
400 drone operators among 8,500 soldiers
According to Skibitsky, the bulk of the North Korean troops in Russia are located in the Kursk region. These include approximately 1,000 engineers and mine-clearing personnel. However, the focus is primarily on the approximately 400 drone operators. Ukrainian officials claim that many of these troops have gained experience in drone operation. According to them, these drones can be used for surveillance within Russia as well as for targeting targets within Ukraine.
Troops will not land directly in Ukraine?
According to Ukrainian intelligence assessments, the North Korean troops involved in the new deployment are unlikely to directly fight on Ukrainian soil. Instead, they could assume security and other responsibilities in Russia’s rear areas. This could pave the way for Russian troops to be freed from rear duties and sent to the frontlines. This means that even if the troops do not directly cross the border, they could still be used to enhance Russia’s combat capabilities.
North Korea sends KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia
Skibitsky also claimed North Korea’s missile support to Russia. According to him, at least 150 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles were delivered to Ukraine for use before August 2024, with a further 120 promised. These missiles are considered a serious threat to Ukraine because ballistic missiles are difficult to intercept and Ukraine has limited American Patriot interceptors to prevent such attacks.
Kim wants S-400 from Russia in return
This cooperation between Russia and North Korea is not being described as one-sided. According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea wants the state-of-the-art S-400 air defense system in exchange for providing Russia with troops and weapons. It is claimed that Pyongyang has already received the Pantsir-1 air defense system from Russia. This means that the deal is not limited to providing Russia with additional troops and weapons. Instead, North Korea is seeking to modernize its air defense and military technology.