North Korea is set to treble the number of its troops fighting for Russia along the front lines with Ukraine, sending an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to assist Moscow, according to an intelligence assessment from Ukrainian officials.

Kim paid public tribute to North Korean soldiers killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine, part of an effort to cement the two countries’ strategic defense pact.

North Korea is reportedly preparing to send as many as another 30,000 troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine, a massive escalation of its support for Moscow’s war effort, according to Ukrainian intelligence.