Reports from international military analysts, official military statements

Russia Deploys 11,000 North Korean Troops in Kursk Assaults, Zelensky Says

Dec 14, 2024, 09:35 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in significant numbers, estimated at around 11,000 troops, to participate in military operations in Russia's Kursk region. According to Zelensky, these North Korean troops are being integrated into Russian units and used in assaults against Ukrainian positions. He stated that 'Moscow has dragged another state into this war,' emphasizing the escalation of the conflict. He indicated that while they are currently operating in the Kursk region, they may soon be deployed to other fronts. Ukrainian military intelligence also reported that North Korean soldiers have suffered noticeable losses, estimating around 200 casualties. Additionally, there have been reports of friendly fire incidents due to language barriers, including an incident where eight members of the Chechen Akhmat unit were killed by North Korean soldiers.