Official statements from Russian or North Korean governments, or credible military reports from international news agencies

Pentagon Confirms North Korean Troops Killed in Battle in Russia's Kursk Region

Dec 16, 2024, 02:05 PM

Ukraine reports that at least 30 North Korean soldiers from the 94th Brigade have been killed or wounded during assaults in Russia's Kursk region on December 14-15, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR). The North Korean troops are reported to be fighting alongside Russian forces in the region, marking the first confirmed engagement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that the United States has indications of North Korean troops' involvement, stating, "We do assess that North Korean soldiers have engaged in combat in Kursk... we do have indications that they have suffered casualties, both killed and wounded." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that "Russia is not only involving North Korean soldiers in assaults against Ukrainian positions, but is also trying to hide the losses of these people." The involvement of North Korean troops underscores an escalation in the conflict, with Russia reinforcing its assault units with fighters from North Korea.