Ukrainian military intelligence has reported significant casualties among North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict. According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), around 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded over the weekend in battles near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka. At least three additional North Korean troops were reported missing near the village of Kurilovka.
This development follows earlier reports from both the Pentagon and Ukrainian officials confirming that North Korea has sent up to 12,000 troops to assist Russia in its nearly three-year-long war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Saturday, stating, "We already have preliminary data that the Russians have begun to use North Korean soldiers in their assaults - a significant number of them. So far, only in Kursk."
The North Korean presence in the region represents an unprecedented level of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has provided artillery munitions and ballistic missiles to support Russian forces. However, the deployment of troops has intensified scrutiny of this alliance.
Despite the added manpower, the integration of North Korean soldiers into Russian units has been plagued by challenges. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, noted that "poor integration and ongoing communication problems between Russian and North Korean forces will likely continue to cause friction in Russian military operations in Kursk ... in the near term." Reports have already surfaced of friendly fire incidents, including one where North Korean troops reportedly fired on Chechen vehicles, killing eight fighters.
The Kursk region has become a focal point of the conflict, with Ukrainian forces maintaining control over portions of Russian territory seized in a surprise offensive in August. This marked the first occupation of Russian land since World War II, a move Ukrainian officials describe as a critical bargaining chip for potential peace negotiations. However, Russian officials, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, have repeatedly emphasized that there will be no peace talks as long as Kursk remains partially occupied. Belousov claimed on Monday that Russian forces are making steady progress in Ukraine, capturing "about 30 square kilometers (11.5 square miles) of territory a day."
The Ukrainian defense ministry reported that North Korean units have been replenished with fresh personnel from the 94th Separate Brigade of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) army to sustain active combat operations in Kursk. The GUR also highlighted the role of Ukrainian drones in inflicting heavy losses on North Korean soldiers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed unwavering support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, solidifying their partnership under a mutual defense pact. However, the involvement of North Korean troops has sparked international concern. Language barriers between the two forces have reportedly hampered battlefield coordination, further complicating Russia's efforts in the region.
Putin, meanwhile, has pointed to escalating geopolitical tensions to justify Russia's actions. On Monday, he announced plans to bolster national security measures, citing the planned deployment of U.S. intermediate-range missiles to Europe and Asia as a growing threat. "In view of rising geopolitical tensions, we must take additional measures to ensure the security of Russia and our allies," Putin said during a meeting with military officials.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed 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 - to stop it decisively, with guaranteed peace."
