North Korean military units that were recruited by the Russian government to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war have entered the combat zone between the two warring nations, according to the Ukrainian government.  

In a statement on Thursday, the Ukrainian intelligence service of said on social media, "The first units of military from North Korea ... have already arrived in the combat zone of the Russian-Ukrainian war - in particular, on October 23, 2024 their appearance is recorded in the Kursk region of Russia." The post states that the North Korean troops are "equipped with ammunition, bedding, winter clothes and shoes."

It was confirmed this week by the US that North Koreans were being trained by Russia in a possible effort to bring them into the war against Ukraine. On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia." 

Upon learning of the news this week, South Korea expressed concerns on Tuesday that the Russia may provide North Korea with more sophisticated military weapons in return for their help in the Russia-Ukraine war. The two countries signed a mutual defense partnership earlier this year. Russia and North Korea denied the military acitivity earlier this week. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned that there were 10,000 DPRK troops being prepared by Russia to assist the country in war.  

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