Recent intelligence reveals that approximately 10,900 North Korean soldiers are actively participating in Russia’s counteroffensive in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian forces. These elite troops, part of the Storm Corps, face challenges of integration into unfamiliar territory and are believed to be among the best trained despite hardships at home. Colonel-General Kim Yong Bok oversees their deployment, indicating a long-term collaboration between North Korea and Russia. The involvement of North Koreans has also prompted a response from the U.S., as well as efforts from defectors to impact their fellow soldiers.