Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported that around 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during clashes with Ukrainian forces over the weekend in the Russian border region of Kursk.
According to the Ukrainian agency, the fighting took place near three villages in Kursk, where Russia is trying to end the Ukrainian incursion that began four months ago. Additionally, at least three North Korean soldiers were reported missing near another village in the region.
While these reports have not been independently verified, this is the first notification of casualties among North Korean forces in the nearly three-year-long conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian Ministry of Defense should be asked about the matter, but the ministry declined to comment.
According to the Pentagon and Ukrainian officials, North Korea has sent around 10,000 troops to assist Russia in the war against Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, based on a reciprocal defense agreement.
Military analysts say that language barriers have affected the coordination between Russian and North Korean forces on the battlefield, leading to operational issues in Kursk.
In another development, Ukrainian forces have been involved in clashes with recently deployed North Korean units in the region since November 5, marking the first engagement with North Korean troops in the conflict.
This is the latest development in the fighting in the Russian border region of Kursk, where Ukraine has taken control of several border areas previously held by Russia, marking a significant event that has occurred since World War II.
