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According to a report from Ukrainian media outlets and the WSJ, one of Kim Jong Un’s top generals is in Russia and overseeing the troops sent by North Korea.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Back in late September, South Korean intelligence agencies reported that North Korea had begun deploying troops to Russia, marking a significant escalation in Pyongyang’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Initially, approximately 500 North Korean officers, including high-ranking generals, were sent, with reports suggesting the total number of troops could eventually exceed 100,000. These soldiers, many disguised as Russian troops with fake IDs and local uniforms, are being tasked with front-line duties such as artillery operations, trench clearing, drone deployment, and supporting Russian counteroffensives in regions like Kursk.
Who’s leading them: According to Ukrainian media citing intelligence from South Korea and the United States, the North Korean troops in Russia are being led by Colonel General Kim Yong Bok, a senior military figure and Deputy Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff. Known for his previous command of a special forces unit comprising 200,000 soldiers, Kim is tasked with overseeing the integration of North Korean forces into Russian military operations and ensuring their effectiveness on the battlefield. While little is known about General Kim, he is often pictured with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at various military events.
Warnings from Zelensky: This all comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has openly warned about the potential deployment of up to 100,000 North Korean troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. Speaking to the European Parliament, Zelenskyy said, “Putin has already brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s borders, and this contingent may grow to 100,000.”
Zelenskyy’s comments seemed to confirm a Bloomberg report that cited unnamed sources suggesting North Korea could dramatically increase its military support for Russia. This move would mark a significant escalation in international involvement in the conflict.
More weapons: Besides sending one of Kim Jong Un’s closest military generals, North Korea has expanded its support to Russia by supplying advanced weapons systems and munitions. These include M-1991 multiple-launch rocket systems and M-1989 Koksan howitzers, which were recently spotted en route to Russia’s Kursk region aboard trains passing through central Russia.
