In a significant development, officials from Ukraine have disclosed that North Korean soldiers have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces for the first time.
During a recent interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov reported that a “small group” of North Korean soldiers had come under attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, previously critical of the West’s inaction regarding North Korean forces, stated that these “initial confrontations with North Korea mark the beginning of a new era of global instability.”
Seoul has stated that it “does not believe [troops on both sides] engaged in direct combat” but acknowledged an “incident” involving a small number of North Korean soldiers “near the frontline.”
Ukrainian officials report that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk border region, an area where Ukrainian forces maintain a presence.
Recent reports from South Korean and US intelligence agencies, along with NATO, indicate that there is evidence suggesting the involvement of North Korean troops in Russia’s ongoing conflict.
To date, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has responded directly to the allegations presented.
Andriy Kovalenko, Ukraine’s leading counter-disinformation official, reported via a Telegram post on Monday that North Korea’s “first military units… [had] already come under fire in Kursk”.
In a recent interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS, Rustem Umerov stated that he anticipates a “significant number” of North Korean troops will be involved in combat. However, he noted that the situation has thus far involved “just small contacts, not full-scale engagement.”
He noted that the majority are still in the process of training.
“According to Umerov, individuals are seen in Russian uniforms, participating in tactical training, and being assigned to different commands of the Russian army at the front lines.”
He indicated that deploying five units, each comprising approximately 3,000 soldiers, across the battlefield was probable.
There was no indication of whether any casualties occurred.
In a daily video address on Wednesday, Zelensky urged Ukraine and the global community to unite in efforts to ensure that Russia’s attempt to escalate the conflict is thwarted. This is for both parties involved, as well as for North Korea.
The prospect of such a move by North Korea has raised alarms in the South, escalating tensions between the two nations.
In a significant diplomatic move, Seoul summoned the Russian ambassador late last month, demanding the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops from Ukraine. The statement also indicated that considerations are underway regarding the direct supply of arms to Ukraine.
Experts suggest that Pyongyang might receive compensation or gain access to Russian military technology in return for the deployment of troops.
On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers are set to vote on ratifying a mutual defense treaty with North Korea. This treaty was initially proposed during President Vladimir Putin’s extravagant visit to Pyongyang in June.
The agreement stipulates that Russia and North Korea will provide mutual support in the face of any “aggression” directed at either nation.
