Ukrainian Intel: '8,500 North Korean Troops Deployed... Including Drone Unit'

Ukrainian intelligence claimed on the 21st (local time) that the number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia has reached 8,500, including 400 personnel trained to operate drones. Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR), revealed in a CNN interview that these forces are mainly stationed in the Russian Kursk region and include 1,000 engineers and minesweeping personnel.

He stated that many of the North Korean drone operators gained experience during previous deployment processes and are highly likely to be deployed for reconnaissance and attacks on targets inside Ukraine.

Deputy Chief Skibitsky assessed that during the expected North-Russia summit in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin may request up to 50,000 additional troops from North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un.

Ukrainian authorities believe that in exchange for providing troops and missiles, North Korea has demanded S-400 air defense systems from Russia and has already received Pantsyr surface-to-air missile systems.