Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) reported on Monday that around 30 North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured during clashes with Ukrainian forces over the weekend in Russia’s Kursk border region. This marks the first confirmed casualties involving North Korean troops since reports emerged that North Korea had sent about 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The casualties occurred around three villages in the Kursk region, where Russian forces have been battling Ukrainian incursions for several months. In addition to the fatalities, GUR reported that at least three North Korean soldiers went missing in another part of Kursk.
While Ukrainian officials have made the claims, independent verification has not been possible. The Russian government, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, referred questions to the Ministry of Defense, which has not provided immediate comment.
This incident comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged full support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant shift in international relations. Kim’s promise of assistance to Russia has led to concerns over further escalation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizing the need to bolster security amid growing geopolitical tensions.
However, military analysts point out that the integration of North Korean troops into Russia’s military efforts has been problematic. Communication and coordination between Russian and North Korean forces, hindered by a language barrier, are likely to continue causing friction in operations, especially in regions like Kursk.
Ukraine’s forces first encountered North Korean units in early November, and tensions have since been rising as the conflict escalates. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to press forward with its military campaigns, claiming to have captured significant territory in recent weeks.
 reported on Monday that around 30 North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured during clashes with Ukrainian forces over the weekend in Russia’s Kursk border region.){kind=link}