Photo: Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans

The Dutch intelligence services have confirmed that Russia has engaged at least 1,500 North Korean military personnel to support the Russian armed forces in the war against Ukraine. This was stated by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Berkelmans on Friday, Reuters reports.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), the first units of the North Korean army are already in Russia’s Kursk region, where the Ukrainian army regained control of the territory after a surprise offensive launched in August.

The information was also confirmed by the United States and NATO. Washington noted that it is currently unclear what role the North Korean military will play, whether they will be directly involved in hostilities against Ukraine, and whether they will be deployed on the frontlines in Ukraine or only on Russian territory.

South Korean intelligence (NIS) has previously estimated the total number of North Korean soldiers in Russia at around 3,000. According to intelligence, the soldiers are being trained to participate in combat operations and have received Russian weapons, uniforms and documents.

Against the backdrop of these events, South Korea, a US ally, announced that it is ready to reconsider its position on providing Ukraine with weapons, considering this possibility “with more flexibility” due to North Korea’s support for Russia.