The RF is sending soldiers to North Korea under the guise of medical treatment for experience exchange, according to ISW.

The Russian Federation is allegedly sending servicemen to North Korea for treatment. However, Russian soldiers are actually exchanging military experience with the DPRK there.

This information is reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing the Institute for the Study of War.

The ISW noted the statement made by the Russian ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, who claimed that Russia sent "hundreds" of injured soldiers to North Korea for rehabilitation and treatment. He also mentioned that the DPRK supposedly declined Russia's offer to provide financial compensation for the treatment of Russians in North Korea.

"According to reports, the Russian military command has been sending the injured back to assault groups without treatment, which demonstrates a general disregard for the health of soldiers in the Russian army and calls into question Russia's official statements about sending Russian soldiers abroad for treatment, particularly to North Korea," analysts say.

Furthermore, the presence of experienced military personnel in North Korea will enable Russia to collaborate with the North Korean armed forces and share knowledge gained during the war in Ukraine.

DPRK Soldiers in Russia

At the end of 2024, Russia engaged North Korean military personnel to participate in combat operations in the Kursk region. According to Ukrainian military sources, North Korean soldiers attacked Ukrainian positions using mass assault tactics. Such attacks resulted in significant losses among North Korean units.

As of mid-January 2025, South Korean intelligence reports that North Korean troops ceased their involvement in combat operations in the Kursk region due to substantial losses. However, the head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kirill Budanov, noted that North Korean soldiers are still present along the front lines in this area, and the situation requires further monitoring to determine real changes in their activity.

According to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, DPRK seeks to obtain technology from Russia in exchange for soldiers. This pertains to technologies related to missile, nuclear, and other military programs.