Britain warns North Korean troops facing challenges

In an intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence has revealed that around 10,000 North Korean troops are now in Russia, with some reportedly deployed to the Kursk region.

This deployment is part of an enhanced military partnership between Russia and North Korea, formalised through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a mutual defence clause.

This treaty was ratified by the Russian State Duma on 24 October 2024.

According to British intelligence, North Korea’s military support to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine has been pivotal in solidifying this partnership. Until now, the alliance largely revolved around North Korea supplying Russia with arms.

In return, North Korea gains Russia’s high-level international backing and secures a trading partner prepared to bypass sanctions.

However, operational challenges are expected for North Korean forces, as the two nations have limited joint military experience. The intelligence update states:

“Around 10,000 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) combat troops are in Russia. It is almost certain some have already deployed to the Kursk region.

Russia and DPRK have committed to deepening their bilateral partnership with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a mutual defence clause, and was ratified by the Russian State Duma on 24 October 2024. For Russia, DPRK’s military support to their war in Ukraine has highly likely been the core driver for the partnership and has until now, centred around North Korea’s provision of arms. In return, DPRK has received high level international support from Russia and has secured a trading partner willing to break sanctions.

Russian and DPRK forces would almost certainly experience interoperability difficulties having not previously carried out joint military exercises. DPRK troops conducting combat operations would almost certainly have issues operating Russian equipment, integrating into Russia’s command and control structure, and working around the language barrier with Russian forces.”

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