North Korea could send troops to support a new Russian offensive in Ukraine as soon as July, South Korean intelligence says

North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia as early as July to support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing South Korean lawmakers who had been briefed by the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The intelligence officials reportedly said the potential North Korean deployment could coincide with a new large-scale Russian offensive in July or August.

The NIS also reported that Pyongyang continues to supply Moscow with weapons, including artillery shells and missiles. In return, North Korea is believed to be receiving technical advice related to satellite launches and missile guidance systems, lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told journalists.

In June 2025, former Russian Defense Minister and current Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu visited North Korea twice. On June 17, he announced that North Korea would be sending sappers and construction workers to help rebuild Russia’s Kursk region.