Official statements from the governments of the listed countries

Ukraine Engages 11,000 North Korean Troops in Russia's Kursk Region for First Time

Nov 4, 2024, 03:47 PM

The Biden administration has reported that approximately 8,000 to 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border. These troops are preparing to assist the Kremlin in its conflict against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have engaged North Korean soldiers for the first time since their deployment, with the initial clash occurring in the Kursk region. Ukrainian officials, including Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed the engagement, marking the first known combat involving North Korean troops in Russia's war against Ukraine. The U.S. State Department and Pentagon have also assessed that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the region, equipped with Russian uniforms and weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have now been deployed to the Kursk region. Pentagon Press Secretary, Major General Patrick S. Ryder, confirmed the presence of these troops.