 "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (centre) visits the training base of the special operations armed force of North Korea's army at an undisclosed location in North Korea, September 11, 2024. The man on Kim's right is reportedly Col Gen Kim Yong Bok. File Image/Reuters via KCNA")
The involvement of North Korean military personnel in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has marked a significant shift in Pyongyang’s military diplomacy.
Among these developments, one name stands out: Colonel General Kim Yong Bok, a high-ranking but previously little-known figure in the Korean People’s Army (KPA).
His role in overseeing North Korea’s military contributions to Russia’s war effort highlights Pyongyang’s increasing alignment with Moscow.
What we know about Kim Yong Bok
Kim Yong Bok, currently the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the KPA, has risen from obscurity to international prominence. Known for commanding North Korea’s special forces — the largest in the world, with an estimated 200,000 personnel — Kim has been tasked with integrating North Korean troops into Russian forces in Ukraine.
Until recently, Kim operated mostly in secrecy, with his primary focus on missions designed for wartime scenarios on the Korean Peninsula. According to Jeon Kyung-joo, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, Kim’s unit specialised in covert operations, underscoring his strategic importance, reported the Wall Street Journal.
However, Kim emerged publicly after a pivotal visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in June 2024. During this visit, Pyongyang and Moscow formalised agreements on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Since then, Kim has frequently been seen accompanying North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signalling his elevated status. Experts now rank him among the top ten most influential military figures in North Korea, with some suggesting his role in Ukraine could further propel his career.
What North Korea’s military deployment in Ukraine look like
Ukrainian officials have confirmed the deployment of at least 11,000 North Korean soldiers to Russia, with units reportedly stationed in the Kursk region and other strategic areas.
These troops are being organised into five formations of 2,000–3,000 soldiers each and integrated into Russian units to obscure their identity.
Accompanying these troops are over 500 North Korean officers, including three prominent generals:
Colonel General Kim Yong Bok – Overseeing the coordination and integration of troops.
Colonel General Ri Chang Ho – Head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, tasked with intelligence and espionage operations.
Major General Sin Kum Cheol – Expected to assume command once senior generals return to North Korea.
These developments have sparked criticism from NATO, which described the deployment as a “dangerous expansion” of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
In a joint statement, NATO and its allies — including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Ukraine — warned of the implications for both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security.
Kim Yong Bok’s presence in Russia is primarily administrative and strategic. Experts, such as Michael Madden from the Stimson Center, suggest Kim is acting as a proxy decision-maker for Kim Jong Un. His responsibilities include overseeing troop deployment, ensuring coordination with Russian forces, and securing combat experience for North Korean units.
Kim is not expected to participate directly in combat but may transfer operational command to a senior colonel or major general. Meanwhile, Colonel General Ri Chang Ho, known for his leadership in intelligence operations, and Major General Sin Kum Cheol will likely play key roles in combat strategy.
Both Ukrainian and Russian sources indicate that North Korean soldiers have already participated in engagements in southern Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that North Korean troops were involved in a large-scale Russian offensive and called for greater Western support to counter the deepening military alliance.
What now?
The integration of North Korean troops into Russia’s military efforts marks a significant development in global geopolitics. Pyongyang’s support for Moscow underscores the strengthening of their alliance, which was solidified earlier this year through a mutual defence pact .
Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzya defended the military cooperation, stating it complies with international law and reflects Moscow’s right to seek support from allies.
Also Watch:
For North Korea, this deployment offers a dual advantage: showcasing loyalty to Russia while gaining practical combat experience for its troops. Analysts suggest this move is part of Pyongyang’s broader strategy to assert itself on the global stage.
However, the presence of North Korean troops has drawn widespread condemnation. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted the threat this poses to regional stability, while Ukrainian military leaders reported increased challenges in countering Russian offensives bolstered by foreign forces.
With inputs from agencies