The Russians have started using North Korean soldiers in their attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. The goal of Russian forces, supported by soldiers of Kim Jong Un's army, is to completely expel Ukrainian troops from the Kursk Oblast in Russia.
“We have data showing that the Russians have started using North Korean soldiers for assaults, and it is a significant number,” he said. Volodymyr Zelensky in a Saturday speech posted on social media.
President Ukraine he added that soldiers of Kim Jong Un's army “are sent to joint units and used in operations in the Kursk region.” “For now, only there. However, we have information that they can also be used on other sections of the front. Losses among them are already noticeable,” Zelensky added.
Ukraine “will defend itself”
“Moscow has dragged another country (DPRK – ed.) into this war, and to the maximum extent possible. And if this is not escalation, then what is the escalation that many have been talking about?” – asked the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky said that Ukraine “will continue to defend itself, including against North Korean soldiers, and work in concert with partners to end this war.” He also announced that next week there would be further talks with European leaders regarding sanctions against Russia and the possibility of ending the war.
Footage purporting to show North Korean soldiers in the Kursk Oblast in Russia Anton Herashchenko/Twitter
“Sanctions against Russia, support for our defense and investment in the common defense of Europe, and strong diplomacy for peace – these are things that must increase every week so that next year, together with our partners, we can achieve our main goal” – the president emphasized.
Offensive in the border district
Ukrainian troops they entered the Kursk Oblast bordering Ukraine in August 2024to relieve the forces fighting in the eastern regions of Ukraine by drawing away some of the Russian troops from there. Currently, Ukrainians control over 700 square kilometers of area in the Kursk Oblast. At the beginning of the offensive, this number was 1,100 square kilometers.
On Friday, military intelligence in Kiev reported that North Korean army units had been put on combat readiness and were awaiting further instructions.
Military of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea appeared on the front in the Kursk region at the turn of October and November this year. By sending troops to Russia, the authoritarian leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un he supported his ally Vladimir Putin in aggression against Ukraine.
Main photo source: mil.ru