On November 1, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the Kursk region of Russia, preparing for potential military operations against Ukrainian forces. Blinken indicated that around 10,000 North Korean troops are believed to be in Russia, with the majority stationed in Kursk. He noted that this marks the first time in a century that Russia has invited foreign military personnel onto its territory.
While no active combat operations by North Korean troops against Ukraine have been observed yet, U.S. officials anticipate that such actions may occur in the coming days. The Russian military has reportedly been training North Korean soldiers in artillery and infantry operations. Blinken emphasized the unusual nature of this deployment, suggesting it could signify Russia's intent to continue its aggressive actions in Ukraine.
In a related development, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that a new military aid package for Ukraine is forthcoming, which will include artillery, air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition. Austin stated that the U.S. is committed to increasing security assistance to Ukraine, following President Joe Biden's directives. The announcement of this aid package is expected within the next few days, following a previous commitment of $400 million made by Austin during a visit to Kyiv on October 21.
Both Blinken and Austin highlighted the significance of the North Korean military presence in Russia, viewing it as a potential threat to regional security. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently described the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea as a concern for Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security.