Official government statements or credible news reports

North Korean Troops Suffer First Losses in Kursk Region, Engage in Mass Assaults

Dec 14, 2024, 05:13 PM

North Korean troops have reportedly engaged in combat operations in Russia's Kursk region, marking their first significant involvement in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that North Korean infantry have been conducting mass assaults in the Kursk salient, which Ukrainian forces captured from Russia in August. Videos circulating online, purportedly captured by Ukrainian drones, show infantry moving in columns across open fields, though the nationality of the soldiers remains unconfirmed. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that approximately 200 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured, with some instances of 'friendly fire' resulting in the deaths of Russian troops from the 'Akhmat' battalion. The deployment of North Korean forces comes as Russia faces significant losses, with daily casualties exceeding 2,000 in some instances, highlighting the critical role these reinforcements play in supporting Russian military efforts.