Ukrainian prosecutors announced on Friday the initiation of an investigation into North Korea‘s alleged support for Russia in the ongoing conflict, which may constitute a crime of aggression. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, North Korean officials could potentially face charges for providing arms and support to ground forces engaged in combat against Ukraine.

The office stated, “We are documenting and collecting evidence of all possible aspects of such involvement as part of the core proceeding on the crime of aggression.” The investigation will examine various elements of the purported crime, including the provision of weapons to the Russian Federation, the organization of training for Russian military personnel, and the direct involvement of North Korean forces in combat operations.

Additionally, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, along with South Korea and several Western nations, has reported that North Korean troops trained in Russia have been deployed in the Kursk region, a border area where Ukrainian forces executed a significant incursion in August.

The Kremlin has previously characterized reports regarding the deployment of North Korean troops as “fake news.” However, when Russian President Vladimir Putin was questioned about the matter on Thursday, he did not explicitly refute the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia.

According to the Ukrainian intelligence agency, approximately 12,000 North Korean troops, which include 500 officers and three generals, are already stationed in Russia, with training occurring at five military installations.

On Friday, the Dutch Defence Ministry announced that its intelligence indicated at least 1,500 North Korean troops are anticipated to be deployed shortly to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.