North Korean engineering troops have deployed to the Russian-held Kursk region to assist with clearing dense minefields left behind after Ukrainian forces’ advances, according to Russia’s defense ministry. The unit is operating alongside Russian sappers, handling advanced detection equipment and receiving training to neutralize both NATO-style and Ukrainian-manufactured explosives.
Footage shows the North Korean soldiers working in war-torn settlements where dozens of villages remain closed to civilians because of mine contamination. Russian commanders praised the North Koreans’ performance, declaring they operated “on par” with Russian units, even as they carried out tasks under the threat of artillery and drone fire.
This deployment underlines the deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, established under a strategic pact signed in 2024. Analysts say such collaboration could reshape the balance of manpower and resources in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.