NYT reports that the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia was initiated by Kim Jong Un.

"American intelligence agencies have concluded that the deployment of troops was an initiative from North Korea, not Russia, although President Vladimir Putin quickly endorsed the idea," according to a publication citing U.S. officials.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have not officially confirmed or denied the numerous claims from Ukraine and Western countries that North Korean military personnel have been sent to Russia and are reportedly already engaged in battles against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, suffering casualties.

Reports in October indicated that several thousand North Korean soldiers had been dispatched to Russia, based on intelligence from South Korea, Ukraine, and Western sources. This came months after the signing of a strategic partnership agreement during Putin's visit to Pyongyang, which includes military assistance between the two countries in the event of aggression from a third party. However, after the agreement was signed, Putin asserted that the involvement of North Korean troops in the war in Ukraine was not anticipated. The agreement was submitted for ratification and approved shortly after reports of troop deployment surfaced.

As The New York Times reports, the presence of North Koreans on the front lines has led some Western officials to believe that the Kremlin is desperately in need of more soldiers. However, U.S. intelligence believes that the initiative actually came from Kim, not Putin. According to sources from the publication, the North Korean leader offered assistance, expecting to receive something in return from Russia—specifically, diplomatic support or technology. Earlier, U.S. officials expressed concerns that Moscow might provide Pyongyang with assistance in advancing its missile and nuclear programs.

The Pentagon, following official statements from Kyiv, confirmed earlier that North Korean troops had entered the battles and suffered casualties—according to sources, these could amount to several hundred individuals. Meanwhile, the South Korean news agency "Yonhap," citing intelligence, reported on Monday that North Korean military losses had reached 1,100, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated the number at 3,000. The Ukrainian side claims that Russian military personnel are concealing the identities of North Korean soldiers, complicating casualty assessments. There is currently no independent information on the losses or on the identities of killed or captured North Korean soldiers that could be confirmed. Parties in conflict typically exaggerate enemy losses.

According to South Korean and U.S. intelligence, the North Korean authorities have sent between 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. It is currently asserted that they are only involved in battles on Russian territory.

South Korean intelligence indicates that Pyongyang is likely preparing to send additional troops and military equipment to Russia. Analysis of numerous intelligence reports suggests that North Korea is preparing either for a rotation or an increase in the number of its military personnel in Russia, the statement cites "Yonhap."