North Korean military units that were recruited by the Russian government to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war have entered the combat zone between the two warring nations, according to the Ukrainian government.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ukrainian intelligence service of said on social media, "The first units of military from North Korea ... have already arrived in the combat zone of the Russian-Ukrainian war - in particular, on October 23, 2024 their appearance is recorded in the Kursk region of Russia."

The post states that the North Korean troops are "equipped with ammunition, bedding, winter clothes and shoes, as well as hygiene products. The Kremlin has high hopes for the North Korean component in the war against Ukraine and the global confrontation with the West."

It was confirmed this week by the US that North Koreans were being trained by Russia in a possible effort to bring them into the war against Ukraine. On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia." Russia and North Korea denied previously denied that the activity was going on.

Upon learning of the news this week, South Korea expressed concerns on that the Russia may provide North Korea with more sophisticated military weapons in return for their help in the Russia-Ukraine war. The two countries signed a mutual defense partnership earlier this year. Some have speculated that the involvement from a third country in combat, especially with North Korea, could lead to more escalation with other countries. 

“We assess that between early- to mid-October, North Korea moved at least 3,000 soldiers into eastern Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned that there were 10,000 DPRK troops being prepared by Russia to assist the country in war.