50K Russian, North Korean Troops Prepare to Mount Offensive in Kursk Region

Above: A Ukrainian tank in Russia's Kursk region on Sept. 16, 2024. Image copyright: Oleg Palchyk/Global Images Ukraine/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Russia has amassed some 50K troops, including at least 10K North Korean soldiers that recently arrived in the country, in an effort to dislodge Ukraine's forces from Russia's Kursk region.

  • It comes as state media in both Russia and North Korea reported that their respective leaders — Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un — have in recent days both signed into law a mutual-defense treaty that vows to defend one another in the case of an attack.


The Spin

Pro-Ukraine narrative

By fighting these 50K troops on Russian territory, Ukrainian soldiers are keeping enemy forces from the frontlines in Ukraine. The nation is thankful to those serving for helping keep the country safe.

Pro-establishment narrative

With the assistance of North Korea, Russia has been able to leverage 50K troops in Kursk without sacrificing its presence in eastern Ukraine, making US officials pessimistic about Ukraine's long-term prospects. These are dangerous times for Ukraine, and it might be wise to start considering peace talks.


Metaculus Prediction


Public figures in this story


Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO