Verified reports from Ukrainian or international news agencies, or official military statements

North Korea Deploys 12,000 Elite Troops to Join 50,000 Russian Forces in Ukraine War

Nov 9, 2024, 10:05 PM

North Korea has deployed 12,000 elite light infantry troops to Russia's Kursk region to support its efforts in the Ukraine war. This move represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape and has raised alarms in Washington and Seoul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian troops have already engaged in combat with North Korean soldiers. The deployment has solidified the split between North and South Korea. Ukrainian officials anticipate a large-scale offensive involving 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops in the coming days, aiming to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's top military commander, described the battlefield situation as 'challenging' and 'trending towards escalation.' A New York Times report and a new U.S. assessment have highlighted the readiness of these troops for combat.