A group of North Korean soldiers recently deployed to support Russia deserted near the border close to Bryansk, Russia, a senior Ukrainian military official said on Oct. 15. The troops are believed to be part of a contingent sent by North Korea to assist Russia under a growing alliance between the two nations. The desertion is seen as further evidence of the military cooperation outlined in a North Korea-Russia agreement signed in June, which includes provisions for mutual military support.
The Ukrainian official told The Chosun Ilbo that intelligence reports indicated 18 North Korean soldiers deserted approximately 7 kilometers northwest of the Ukraine-Russia border, between Bryansk and Kursk. “Russian forces are currently tracking the deserters,” the official said. “The soldiers have not been apprehended yet, and local Russian military units are reportedly attempting to hide the incident from higher command.” The exact military unit these soldiers belong to and their reason for desertion remain unclear.
If confirmed, the incident would be further proof that Russia, in addition to receiving artillery shells and missiles from North Korea, is now receiving direct military support. On Oct. 9, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said during a National Assembly audit that there is a strong possibility North Korea could send regular troops to the Ukrainian front under its agreement with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated in a video address on Oct. 13 that the North Korea-Russia alliance is strengthening, with North Korea providing both weapons and personnel to Russia.
Ukrainian media outlets Liga.net and Kyiv Post reported that North Korea has already sent about 10,000 soldiers and personnel to Russia. Approximately 3,000 of these North Korean troops have reportedly been integrated into Russia’s 11th Air Assault Brigade, which is currently reorganizing near the Ukraine-Russia border, and are undergoing joint training with the brigade’s Buryat battalion. These troops may soon be deployed to the Kursk region.
On Oct. 12, The Washington Post also reported that thousands of North Korean infantry soldiers are training in Russia and could be deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine by the end of the year.
Ukrainian media speculate that the deserting North Korean soldiers may be part of the 11th Air Assault Brigade. The brigade, based in Russia’s Republic of Buryatia, was one of the units involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through Belarus in February 2022.
