North Korean troops have been killed after engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces in Kursk for the first time, the Pentagon and Ukraine’s military intelligence agency stated on Monday.
“We assess that North Korean soldiers have taken part in combat operations in Kursk… and we have indications that they have suffered casualties, both killed and wounded,” said Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder.
However, Ryder did not provide specific details on the number of North Korean casualties but noted that their troops began engaging in combat last week.
Ukraine reported on Monday that North Korean units fighting for Russia sustained losses of at least 30 soldiers killed or injured around several villages on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region over the weekend.
The statement from Ukraine’s military intelligence followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s remarks on Saturday, where he stated that Russia was deploying North Korean troops in significant numbers for the first time to carry out assaults in Kursk. The region has been a focal point since Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion there in August.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
