The Ukrainian intelligence agency has claimed that the number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia has now reached 8,500, including a drone unit capable of reconnoitering or attacking targets inside Ukraine.

Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, claimed in an interview with the U.S. broadcaster CNN on the 21st (local time) that about 8,500 North Korean troops are deployed in Russia, including 1,000 engineering and demining personnel and 400 drone operators.

Deputy Chief Skibitsky also claimed that if Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September, he is likely to request additional troop support of up to 50,000 personnel.