South Korea's Ministry of Defense reported the number of DPRK soldiers sent to Russia's war against Ukraine.

More than 10 thousand North Korean soldiers have arrived on the territory of the Russian Federation to participate in its war against Ukraine. At the same time, a "significant number" of them are located in the frontline areas, particularly in the Kursk region.

This was stated by a representative of the South Korean Ministry of Defense, Jeong Ha Gye, reports Ukrinform with reference to Reuters data.

"The South Korean Ministry of Defense reported on Tuesday that more than 10,000 North Korean military personnel have arrived in the Russian Federation to support its war against Ukraine, with a significant number in the frontline areas, including Kursk," the report says.

These remarks came a few hours after the Pentagon stated that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers are in Kursk, near the border with Ukraine, but could not confirm reports that they are participating in combat operations.

"We understand that more than 10,000 North Korean military personnel are currently in the Russian Federation, and a significant number of them have moved to the frontline areas, including Kursk," said Jeong Ha Gye, a spokesperson for the Seoul Ministry of Defense, citing intelligence data.

However, when asked whether North Koreans participated in combat operations, Jeong replied that he did not have such information. He also could not confirm South Korean media reports citing an unnamed official that about 40 North Korean soldiers had died on the battlefield.

Ukrainian intelligence also reported that about 12,000 North Korean military personnel, including 500 officers and three generals, are already in the Russian Federation, with their training taking place at five military bases.