Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deploying a significant number of North Korean troops to bolster its military efforts in the Kursk region.
Speaking in his daily address on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated, "We already have preliminary data that the Russians have begun to use North Korean soldiers in their assaults. A significant number of them." He further noted that the soldiers were integrated into Russian units and used specifically in the Kursk front, though there were indications they could be deployed to other parts of the battlefield.
The allegations follow earlier warnings from Western officials, who in October reported that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to Russia for training and combat. The confirmation of their deployment marks a troubling new phase in the conflict, as Ukraine continues its offensive into Russian-held territories in Kursk. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's resolve, stating, "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 decisively, with guaranteed peace."
Ukrainian forces have held positions in Kursk since August, using the region as a strategic point for potential leverage in future peace negotiations. However, the situation has intensified with the reported arrival of North Korean troops, who are said to be suffering significant losses. Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, stated that the North Koreans are being used in high-risk assault operations. "The task of the Koreans is to run under the blows of our forces and occupy certain areas," Kovalenko wrote on Telegram. He also claimed that the use of these troops highlighted Moscow's desperation.
The presence of North Korean troops was further evidenced by images and footage released by Ukrainian forces, showing the aftermath of battles in Kursk Oblast. The visuals depicted dozens of dead Russian and North Korean soldiers, which Ukrainian officials attributed to the combined efforts of multiple military brigades, including the 95th Air Assault Brigade and the 36th Separate Marine Brigade. These images underscored the significant toll being inflicted on the newly deployed troops.
A Ukrainian drone captured a line of retrieved bodies of Russian and North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region after a failed attack against Ukrainian forces pic.twitter.com/AegxwqnyBa — Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 15, 2024
While Moscow has not officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean forces, intelligence from the United States and Europe has supported Kyiv's claims. Reports have also emerged suggesting that Russia and North Korea are deepening their military cooperation. The New York Times recently disclosed that 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are preparing for a major counteroffensive in Kursk, raising concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict.
Ukraine has not limited its operations to defending its positions in Kursk. On Saturday, Ukrainian drones struck an oil facility in Russia's Oryol region, which is critical to supplying Russian forces. The attack caused a significant fire, though Russian officials reported no casualties. Ukrainian officials described the strike as part of a broader effort to disrupt Russian supply lines.
Meanwhile, the civilian toll of the conflict continues to rise. In Russia's Belgorod region, a drone attack killed a nine-year-old boy and injured his mother and infant sister. The governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, shared images of the family's damaged home, illustrating the devastating impact of the war on civilians. These incidents highlight the intensifying nature of the conflict, which shows no signs of abating.
