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Vadym Skibitskiy reports North Korea is deploying drone units and 8,500 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine

Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, reported that North Korea has deployed 8,500 troops to Russia to assist in the war against Ukraine. These forces, primarily stationed in the Kursk region, include a 400-person drone unit capable of surveying and attacking targets inside Ukraine. Skibitskiy noted that these troops are expected to reinforce Russia's rear positions, allowing Russian forces to free up manpower for frontline assaults. Additionally, North Korea has provided significant missile support, delivering over 150 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles to Russia. These missiles, which are similar to Russia's Iskander systems but with larger payloads, have been used to strike Ukrainian territory. While Ukraine faces a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, North Korean missiles continue to provide Russia with a steady supply of munitions. The administration announced that North Korea's involvement reflects a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. While some experts believe Russia still has sufficient manpower, the deployment of North Korean troops and technology serves to bolster Russia's military capacity as Ukraine's own air defense resources are stretched thin.

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