North Korea Considers Increasing Military Involvement in Ukraine Conflict
On June 27, 2025, North Korea is contemplating escalating its military participation in the conflict against Ukraine by sending additional forces from its elite strategic reserve to Russia. This assertion was made by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during a media briefing, reports 24brussels.
According to Umerov, North Korea has already dispatched approximately 11,000 highly trained soldiers to Moscow. These personnel are part of Kim Jong Un’s so-called “personal reserve,” which totals around 50,000 troops. These soldiers underwent rigorous selection processes based on physical and mental criteria. However, Ukrainian intelligence indicates that these units have already suffered significant casualties.
Umerov also noted that the North Korean leader is deliberating the further transfer of a portion of the strategic reserve for involvement in the war. However, such action could jeopardize North Korea’s defense capabilities and raise concerns about Kim’s own security, as it encompasses a critically important human resource.
This information is corroborated by South Korean sources. Members of the South Korean parliament, citing data from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), reported that Pyongyang may send additional troops to Russia in July or August. Furthermore, North Korea continues to supply weapons to Moscow to support combat operations in Ukraine.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that European companies are supplying components found in the missiles and weaponry used by Russia to kill Ukrainians. Speaking before the European Council, he urged EU leaders to act on this issue.
