Ukraine engages North Korean troops in combat in Russia's Kursk region

Ukraine's military intelligence agency said on Monday (Dec. 16, 2024) that North Korean troops fighting for Russia have been killed during combat against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk border region.

About 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during the battle over the weekend, AP News, Reuters, and CNN reported.

Primarily used in infantry roles

News that North Korean troops have joined Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war emerged in November.

Ukraine's military intelligence said Russia transported the North Korean troops on 28 Russian aircraft and equipped them with arms.

The White House believes that North Korean soldiers were on the front line of the war and were actively engaged in combat operations against Ukraine.

Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said these troops were primarily used in an infantry role.

Ukraine estimates about 12,000 North Korean soldiers are assisting Russia in recovering parts of Kursk which was seized by Ukraine in August.

Military analysts, however, said that coordination between Russian and North Korean soldiers has been affected due to language barriers.

It is also notable that so far, there have not been confirmed reports of North Korean soldiers being deployed on Ukrainian territory, even Ukrainian territory controlled by Russian forces.

"Could extend to other parts of the frontline"

In an update, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that they have information suggesting the use of North Korean troops "could extend to other parts of the frontline".

"Moscow has dragged another state into this war, and to the fullest extent possible," Zelensky said.

"We will defend ourselves, including against these North Koreans. And we will continue to act in coordination with all our partners to stop this war—to stop it decisively, with guaranteed peace."

Top image via Zelenskiy/Telegram