Ukrainian military officials have denied reports suggesting that North Korean personnel are present in the Kharkiv Oblast, following unconfirmed claims that North Korean “technical advisers” are operating in Russian-occupied Mariupol.
CNN, citing an anonymous Ukrainian security source, reported on November 22 that North Korean technical advisers had arrived in Mariupol. According to the report, the advisers are engaged in support operations and are wearing Russian military uniforms, although they remain detached from Russian military units.
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The same report also claimed that intercepted communications suggested North Korean troops were active in the Kharkiv Oblast and might be waiting for worsening weather conditions to launch assault operations.
However, the Ukrainian Kharkiv Group of Forces strongly denied the presence of North Korean personnel in the region. The group stated that the spokesperson cited in the CNN report was not an official representative and had commented on matters outside their jurisdiction.
Reuters reported on November 23 that a significant number of North Korean troops, estimated to be part of an 11,000-strong contingent in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, are still completing military training. These troops have not yet been deployed to the frontlines, according to the report.
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The presence of North Korean personnel in Russian-occupied territories has been a subject of speculation and concern. While the alleged technical advisers in Mariupol are reportedly supporting operations, their exact role and impact on the conflict remain unclear. If confirmed, their involvement could signal deeper cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Both Ukraine and its allies are closely monitoring the situation for further developments. For now, Ukrainian military officials maintain that the claims of North Korean troops in Kharkiv Oblast are unfounded, but reports of their activities in other occupied areas continue to raise questions about Russia’s strategy and its alliances in the ongoing conflict.
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