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Ukraine Engages North Korean Troops as Pyongyang Sends 11,000 Soldiers to Russia's Kursk Region

Nov 4, 2024, 04:34 PM

North Korea has reportedly deployed thousands of troops to Russia's Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, with numbers estimated between 8,000 and 11,000 soldiers, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These troops are preparing to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui stated that Pyongyang will stand by Russia until "victory" in Ukraine. U.S. officials, including the Biden administration, the State Department, and the Pentagon, have confirmed the presence of North Korean troops, estimating at least 10,000 soldiers in Kursk region, and expressed concerns over a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Reports suggest that North Korea is receiving payments from Russia, including $2,000 per soldier per month, totaling over $200 million annually, as well as 600,000 to 700,000 tons of rice per year, advanced space and nuclear technology, as part of a mutual defense pact. Ukrainian forces have reportedly engaged North Korean troops in combat for the first time in Russia's Kursk region. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the involvement of North Korean soldiers, with spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating, "This would represent a very dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine." South Korea and the European Union have condemned North Korea's actions and are urging increased support for Ukraine.