The Russian military has reportedly assembled a force of 50-thousand soldiers, including North Korean troops, to carry out an assault with the goal of reclaiming territory in Russia’s Kursk region. 

Quoting a U.S. official on Sunday, CNN said Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops to carry out the assault in the “coming days,” including North Koreans who have recently arrived. 

Citing a U.S. assessment, the New York Times said some 50-thousand Russian and North Korean troops are set to take part in the assault. 

The U.S. daily said Russia has amassed the troops without having to withdraw soldiers from eastern Ukraine, making it possible to apply pressure on multiple fronts simultaneously.

The daily said Russian and North Korean troops are likely to intensify their offensive against Ukraine after Donald Trump’s reelection in the U.S. presidential election, since Trump is widely expected to force Ukraine to give up land occupied by Russia in exchange for an end to the war.