Recent reports indicate that North Korean troops have suffered casualties while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine's Kursk region. According to the US Department of Defense, these are the first casualties reported since it became known that North Korea had deployed around 10,000 troops to support Russia's war efforts that began with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The military intelligence agency of Ukraine, GUR, confirms that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were either killed or wounded during recent engagements over the weekend.
North Korean Troops Reportedly Killed in Ukraine Conflict
North Korean Troops Reportedly Killed in Ukraine Conflict
US officials reveal North Korean soldiers are among the casualties in the ongoing war, highlighting their involvement in Russia's military efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian troops had significantly incorporated North Korean personnel into their operations in Kursk, which Ukraine has sought to liberate since a surprise incursion last August. Major General Pat Ryder, serving as Pentagon press secretary, shared that the US believes North Korean troops have been in combat roles in Kurk for just over a week and reiterated that these soldiers are primarily limited to infantry positions.
Reports by the GUR specify that the North Korean casualties occurred in the villages of Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka. President Zelensky even released drone footage that purportedly captures North Korean troops hiding during an assault on Ukrainian positions, along with claims that Russian forces attempted to disguise the presence of North Koreans through horrific measures including burning the faces of deceased soldiers.
He expressed concern over the reasons for North Korean involvement in the war, suggesting there are "no justifiable reasons for these soldiers to die." Correspondingly, European leaders, alongside the US, UK, and others, condemned North Korea's role in the conflict as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security.
In retaliation to North Korea's actions, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and seven entities linked to Pyongyang's military support. As the situation remains fluid, international observers continue to monitor the implications of North Korea's military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Reports by the GUR specify that the North Korean casualties occurred in the villages of Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka. President Zelensky even released drone footage that purportedly captures North Korean troops hiding during an assault on Ukrainian positions, along with claims that Russian forces attempted to disguise the presence of North Koreans through horrific measures including burning the faces of deceased soldiers.
He expressed concern over the reasons for North Korean involvement in the war, suggesting there are "no justifiable reasons for these soldiers to die." Correspondingly, European leaders, alongside the US, UK, and others, condemned North Korea's role in the conflict as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security.
In retaliation to North Korea's actions, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and seven entities linked to Pyongyang's military support. As the situation remains fluid, international observers continue to monitor the implications of North Korea's military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
