Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (GUR) has reported that nearly 700,000 Russian service members are presently deployed within its territory. This figure includes National Guard soldiers, special forces, and support units, with the majority concentrated in Donetsk Oblast, signaling Russia’s strategic priorities in the ongoing conflict. Andrii Yusov, a GUR spokesperson, highlighted this deployment level, particularly following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks in January regarding Russia’s numerical advantage on the front lines, estimating around 600,000 Russian troops in Ukraine at that time, while Ukraine maintained a force of approximately 900,000 nationwide.
Despite suffering over 1 million reported casualties, Russia has managed to sustain its front-line strength through the replacement of lost troops with newly contracted soldiers. These reinforcements allow Moscow to maintain pressure on Ukrainian forces, which are reportedly facing growing personnel shortages.
Additionally, Russian forces have been bolstered by the involvement of North Korean troops. An initial deployment of 11,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers was stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, sustaining notable losses while assisting in repelling Ukrainian assaults. However, these forces have not yet crossed into Ukraine, as confirmed by Yusov.
In a further demonstration of support for Russia’s military campaign, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is supplying significant shipments of weapons to bolster its efforts. According to Yusov, between 40 to 60 percent of artillery shells fired at Ukraine are North Korean-made, representing a critical capacity boost to Russian military operations. He indicated that without this supply of artillery and missiles, Russia’s fire support capabilities would be substantially diminished.
Recent assessments from Ukrainian officials have pointed to a dramatic increase in Russian troop concentrations, particularly in certain areas where the military presence exceeds the local prewar population levels. Viktor Tregubov, a spokesperson for the “Dnipro” operational-strategic grouping, described the situation as alarming, likening the amassed Russian troops to an overwhelming force akin to an invasion comparable to facing an average European country.
