Russia is reportedly planning to deploy North Korean military personnel to the Sumy region of Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). An unnamed source, who provides information on the Russian "Sever" group of forces, stated on September 16 that some Russian units may withdraw from their positions in northern Ukraine.

The source suggested that some North Korean officers have already operated "behind the wire," possibly referring to the international border, to gain combat experience and conduct reconnaissance.