Russian military bloggers have claimed that North Korean troops have allegedly crossed into Ukraine for the first time, arriving in the Zaporizhzhia region near Huliaipole on November 23, 2025. According to the posts, these "friendly DPRK forces" completed a two-month training program in Russia before appearing at the front line.
However, the claim remains completely unverified. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, led by Andrii Kovalenko, explicitly denied the reports, and no Western intelligence sources have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops inside Ukraine.
What is confirmed is substantial North Korean military involvement in Russia itself. Since late 2024, Pyongyang deployed an estimated 10,000–14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Moscow. These forces have participated in defensive operations on Russian soil and have supplied artillery, missiles, and ammunition to support Russia's offensive campaigns. If North Korean troops were confirmed inside Ukraine, it would mark the first deployment of foreign soldiers for offensive operations on Ukrainian territory—a significant escalation that could trigger stronger NATO and Western responses. Analysts, however, urge caution, noting that Russian military bloggers have previously spread disinformation about encirclements and breakthroughs.
The story underscores North Korea’s growing role as a critical military partner to Russia and raises questions about the future of the war in Ukraine, including the possibility of further foreign troop deployments.
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