The Ministry of Defence has confirmed awareness of South Korean reports that an additional 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces in Kursk, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The information came in response to a written question from Lord Alton of Liverpool, who asked what measures the UK government had taken in light of the alleged deployments.
Responding on 17 April 2025, Defence Minister Lord Coaker stated that the Ministry of Defence is monitoring the reports, which originate from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He reiterated the UK government’s position on cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying such activity is “in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions” and “prolongs the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatens global security, including those in the Republic of Korea and the UK.”
Lord Coaker concluded that the UK remains “committed to providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.”
The Foreign Secretary has previously condemned Russia–DPRK cooperation, highlighting it as a sign of desperation by both nations and a growing threat to international stability.
