Reports Confirm North Korean Troops Transported to Russian Front Lines in Civilian-Licensed Vehicles

by Abbey Fenbert and The Kyiv Independent news desk

On October 27, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported that Russia is transporting North Korean soldiers to the front lines in civilian-licensed trucks. This announcement supports earlier assertions by U.S. and Ukrainian officials that a contingent of North Korean troops is en route to Russia’s Kursk Oblast to reinforce Moscow’s defensive efforts against Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive.

According to HUR’s official Telegram channel, Russian authorities intercepted a Kamaz truck with civilian plates on the Kursk-Voronezh highway, allegedly carrying North Korean military personnel. Although the vehicle held North Korean troops, the driver lacked proper combat documentation, leading to the stop by Russian police on October 27.

An intercepted radio exchange between officers of Russia’s 810th Separate Marine Brigade highlights their attempts to clarify the situation surrounding the stopped truck. In the audio, they discuss the unexpected halt on the highway and question the driver’s missing documentation, indicating that the brigade had been awaiting reinforcements via this transport.

HUR’s latest report coincides with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent announcement that Russia intends to deploy the first North Korean soldiers to combat zones between October 27 and 28. Initially, both Russia and North Korea dismissed the claims of North Korean troop involvement. However, recent statements reflect a shift, with leaders now justifying the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia.

On October 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly acknowledged North Korean troops’ presence in Russia, responding to satellite imagery claims by stating, “If there are images, they reflect something,” referencing Pyongyang’s defence treaty with Moscow. North Korea’s foreign ministry followed suit on October 25, affirming that any troop deployment to Russia would adhere to international law.

Estimations on North Korean troop numbers in Russia have varied. U.S. sources initially estimated around 3,000 North Korean soldiers training in Russia, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby suggesting that the number might now be higher. South Korean intelligence informed lawmakers that the figure could reach 10,000 by December, while Ukrainian reports claim Pyongyang has sent close to 12,000 personnel, including 500 officers and three generals, to aid Moscow’s military efforts.