RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: North Korea’s army enters Kursk: drones, demining and air defense in exchange. The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang keeps climbing to new heights in the form of troop transfers and tech deals. According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea has sent around 8,500 soldiers to Russia, mainly to the Kursk region. And this isn’t just regular infantry: the package reportedly includes 400 drone operators and 1,000 engineers and deminers. The idea is for North Korean units to secure rear areas and support logistics, freeing up Russian forces for direct deployment to the front. Pyongyang, of course, isn’t doing this out of goodwill. Kim Jong‑Un is said to be eyei

North Korea’s army enters Kursk: drones, demining and air defense in exchange.

The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang keeps climbing to new heights in the form of troop transfers and tech deals.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea has sent around 8,500 soldiers to Russia, mainly to the Kursk region.

And this isn’t just regular infantry: the package reportedly includes 400 drone operators and 1,000 engineers and deminers.
The idea is for North Korean units to secure rear areas and support logistics, freeing up Russian forces for direct deployment to the front.

Pyongyang, of course, isn’t doing this out of goodwill. Kim Jong‑Un is said to be eyeing the more advanced S‑400 air‑defense system, and reports claim he has already received Pantsir‑S1 units

. At the same time, the door is open for Russia to request up to 50,000 additional troops a transactional deal where Moscow buys manpower while Pyongyang upgrades its own war machine.

A partnership built on mutual need: Russia wants bodies, North Korea wants hardware.

— @jalle51 Aug 21, 2026