Ukrainian Military Source: "2000 North Korean Soldiers Complete Training and Move to Western Russia"

Report by Japan's Kyodo News Agency

About 2,000 North Korean soldiers who have completed training are reportedly moving to the western Russian border area near Ukraine, Japan's Kyodo News reported on the 24th (local time), citing Ukrainian military sources.

According to the sources, the North Korean troops are likely heading to Kursk and Rostov regions in western Russia, where Ukraine has launched attacks across the border. In early October, about 10 North Korean advance troops had already entered Kursk to prepare for accommodating their own forces. Kyodo News reported that the advance troops appear to have been securing North Korean bases and maintaining communication networks.

Ukrainian authorities are said to have confirmed these North Korean movements based on satellite information, signal interception, and internal sources within the Russian military. Kyodo News explained, "This is the first time specific movements of North Korean troops who completed training in Russia have been detected," adding, "It has not yet been confirmed whether the 2,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived at their destination."

Earlier, John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Coordinator, stated at a briefing the previous day, "We assess that North Korea sent at least 3,000 troops to eastern Russia between early and mid-October," and added, "If these North Korean soldiers decide to fight against Ukraine, they will be considered lawful military targets."