Additional Coverage:
Ukrainian intelligence has intercepted phone calls revealing chaos within the Russian military as they attempt to incorporate North Korean troops into their ranks. The calls originated from troops stationed in Kursk, a region near the Ukrainian border.
The intercepted calls suggest that Russian forces have assigned only one translator and three Russian service members to every 30 North Korean soldiers. However, Russian soldiers doubt they will have enough commanders, weapons, and ammunition to support these new units.
One intercepted call records a Russian soldier expressing outrage at a commander’s order to provide armored vehicles to the North Korean troops. Another call reveals a shortage of translators, with soldiers complaining that they are now serving as interpreters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss the situation and strengthen ties. The two countries plan to exchange delegations.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s foreign minister has arrived in eastern Russia and is expected to visit Moscow for the second time in six weeks. However, the Kremlin has stated that President Putin will not meet with her.
The Pentagon estimates that around 10,000 North Korean troops are now stationed in Russia’s eastern region and could be deployed to Kursk in the coming weeks. The Pentagon is concerned that these troops will be used in combat against Ukrainian forces.