Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Saturday that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in combat operations against Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, marking a significant escalation in foreign military involvement in the conflict.
In his evening address, Zelensky cited preliminary evidence of “noticeable numbers” of North Korean troops participating in Russian assault operations, noting that these forces have already sustained significant casualties. The president indicated that North Korean forces may be operating beyond Kursk along other sections of the front line.
The deployment follows a major defense agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang, with Washington and Seoul estimating more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to support Russian operations. This military cooperation has intensified since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has been working to counter Ukraine’s August incursion into the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces still maintain control of approximately 800 square kilometers, though this represents a reduction from their previous hold of 1,400 square kilometers. The presence of North Korean troops suggests Russia is drawing on new military resources to strengthen its position in the region.
