Seoul
For the first time, North Korean troops have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to reports on Tuesday night. Around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are reportedly stationed in the Kursk region of Russia, with a significant number deployed to the front lines. The clash occurred in the context of increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which began after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the combat, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that their military forces had encountered North Korean troops for the first time. These forces were reportedly fighting alongside Russian naval infantry units. While details of casualties have not been fully disclosed, U.S. officials suggest that a number of North Korean soldiers were killed in the skirmish.
This development is a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin labeled North Korea’s involvement as a “very serious” situation with far-reaching consequences, especially for European and Asian security. The presence of North Korean troops signals a significant deepening of military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has committed to providing military support to Russia despite the economic strain it places on his regime. The North’s extensive military, one of the largest in the world, has not seen significant combat since the Korean War, making its engagement in this conflict notable. This escalating situation raises concerns for global stability as both sides prepare for further confrontations.
