What does the future hold for North Korean troops in Ukraine?
Screenshot of a video showing North Koreans in the Kursk region. (Video recorded by Ukraine Special Forces)
Various questions remain unanswered regarding the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine.
The presence of North Korean forces in Ukraine has been marked by mass casualties, apparent low levels of knowledge about modern warfare, deficiencies in training and low access to appropriate equipment.
Dressed in Russian uniforms and operating Kremlin weapons, Pyongyang’s soldiers do not seem to have altered the battlefield situation in favour of Moscow, which raises questions about whether North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un will continue sending soldiers to fight alongside Russians.
International news outlets recently reported that Kim’s warfighters were pulled out of the frontline. It is unclear, however, if warfighters permanently left the battlefield or if they
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026]()
British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight]()
World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight
Visitors who attended the first World Defense Show four years ago continue to speak of the difficulties they faced with poor facilities and power problems. This year’s event emphasised its status as one of the major defence expositions and as a place where regional players and those less welcome at other shows could take centre stage.
-
![MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems]()
MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems
ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are designed for the harshest environments, delivering mission critical comms, navigation and USB data/power.
-
![Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts]()
Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts
Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
