Russia will again involve North Korea in the war against Ukraine

North Korea could become a significant factor in the Kremlin's plans to intensify attacks against Ukraine.

In addition to the military, Pyongyang agreed to provide Russia with sappers and builders for work in border regions.

South Korean lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon told reporters that Russia could be preparing a new large-scale offensive against Ukraine as early as July or August, during a closed briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. According to South Korean intelligence, the meeting discussed sending about 1,000 sappers and another 5,000 military construction workers.

They are to be involved in reconstruction work in the Kursk region, which Russia partially controls after last year's fighting.

This may indicate that North Korea will not only supply weapons, but also participate in the restoration of Russian infrastructure in border regions.

According to NIS, North Korea sent about 10,000–12,000 troops to Russia last fall. An additional 3,000–4,000 soldiers arrived in early 2025. Such a large-scale deployment of personnel indicates growing military cooperation between the two authoritarian regimes.