Sky News military analyst Michael Clarke suggested that North Korea may send additional units to support Russia in the conflict zone of the special military operation in Ukraine.

Citing South Korean intelligence, Clarke stated that Pyongyang is already prepared to deploy around 30,000 troops. He noted that this figure is roughly double the number of soldiers previously dispatched to assist in the defense of Kursk Region.

What remains uncertain, Clarke pointed out, is whether North Korean forces would be placed directly on the front line or assigned to specialized training in drone operations.

The analyst estimated the likelihood of a North Korean deployment at fifty-fifty. In his view, however, it is more plausible that these troops would be engaged in logistical and organizational roles, which would in turn allow Russia to redirect more of its own forces to active combat.

North Korean soldiers had earlier operated on Russian territory in Kursk Region under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Article 4 of that agreement obliges both sides to provide immediate military assistance in the event of an armed attack on either party.