Ukrainian President Highlights Russian Losses, UK’s Continued Support in Talks with Foreign Secretary
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia’s Kursk region are abandoning their positions, as Kyiv continues its cross-border incursion that began six months ago.
“The Russians suffer really large losses there. They are greatly underestimating them. Their Koreans (North Korean troops) are fleeing, we see it,” Zelenskyy said after meeting UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv on Wednesday.
Kursk Incursion and Ukraine’s Strategy
Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, which started on August 5-6, 2024, has been described by Zelenskyy as a strategic move that could play a significant role when the war reaches a diplomatic phase.
“I do not like to throw around words like ‘historical’… but it was definitely very important,” Zelenskyy stated. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces have stabilized the front in Kursk, striking several key targets using long-range weapons.
Zelenskyy also claimed that the presence of Ukrainian forces in Kursk has tied down 60,000 Russian troops, which, in turn, has helped stabilize the Kharkiv front, where Russia has attempted new offensives.
Reports of North Korean Troops in Russia
Western intelligence estimates that 12,000 North Korean troops are stationed in the Kursk region. However, according to a Yonhap News report citing South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, many of these troops have been absent from the front since mid-January.
While Russia and North Korea have strengthened their military ties, neither government has confirmed North Korean forces’ direct involvement in combat operations.
UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
During his visit, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
“Our assessment is that Putin does not want to conduct any negotiations now. Therefore, we continue to help you as much as we can as you fight this terrible war, and we encourage other partners to do the same,” Lammy said.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the UK’s backing, particularly for the £2 billion in defense aid and the recently signed 100-Year Partnership agreement between Kyiv and London.
The talks also covered efforts to increase sanctions against Russia, particularly in the oil and defense sectors, and the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Lammy’s visit follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trip to Kyiv last month, during which the historic agreement between the two nations was signed.
