North Korea has deployed troops, weapons, and a missile unit to support Russia's war against Ukraine. The missile unit, comprising about 90 personnel, is expected to be based in Russia's Voronezh region and could be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles.
The United States is aware of the deployment, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia wants to bring in 30,000 North Korean troops. North Korea has already sent around 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region, helping Moscow's forces repel a surprise Ukrainian ground incursion.
The deployment is part of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea, which includes a mutual assistance provision if either country faces external aggression. Analysts say North Korea stands to gain hard currency, oil, and other economic support, as well as access to Russian military technology and battlefield experience.
