Resistance Center of Ukraine reports North Korean mercenaries conducting combat coordination in Kursk Oblast

The National Resistance Center has reported, citing local sources, that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have begun training exercises in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

Source: National Resistance Center (NRC) under the auspices of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "Concerned residents of Kursk reported that over 3,000 North Korean mercenaries have started coordination exercises on-site."

Details: The soldiers are primarily trained at several ranges during nighttime sessions. North Korean embassy staff members are reportedly present as translators and supervisors of the mercenaries.

It remains unknown when these mercenaries will be deployed to combat zones or how long the coordination phase will last. However, the NRC confirms that locations of the units are known.

Previously: During the national joint 24/7 newscast, Vadym Mysnyk, spokesman for the Siversk Operational Strategic Group, reported that there is no information regarding any combat contact or prisoners, and there are no reports about North Korean military personnel being captured or fought against at this time.

Background: 

• On 8 October, the South Korean Ministry of Defence said that North Korea was likely to send some of its regular armed forces to Ukraine in support of Russia.
• On 13 October, Zelenskyy said that North Korea was supplying Russia not only with weapons but also with personnel, and called on partners to increase their support for Ukraine. On 17 October, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia intended to involve about 10,000 soldiers from North Korea in the war against Ukraine.
• On 18 October, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, confirmed that about 11,000 North Korean infantrymen were currently undergoing training in Russia’s east. They will be ready to take part in combat actions against Ukraine as early as 1 November.  
• Ukrainian intelligence expected the arrival of the first North Korean troops on the Kursk front on 23 October.
• On 28 October, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, particularly in Kursk Oblast.

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