Ukraine’s military intelligence and the Pentagon have reported that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk border region have suffered casualties.
The GUR, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, stated on Monday that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in the Kursk region, near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka. Additionally, the agency reported:
- “At least three North Korean servicemen went missing near the village of Kurilovka.”
US Pentagon Confirms Casualties
Speaking to journalists in Washington, DC, Pentagon spokesperson Major-General Pat Ryder said the United States had observed “indications” of North Korean troops being killed and injured in combat in the region.
Kremlin and North Korea’s Silence
The Kremlin has not officially commented on the reports. A request from the Associated Press for confirmation was redirected to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, which has yet to respond. Similarly, Pyongyang has not acknowledged the presence or casualties of its forces.
North Korean Troop Deployment
According to South Korean, US, and Ukrainian intelligence, an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with most stationed in the Kursk region. The area has been under partial Ukrainian control since Kyiv launched a surprise incursion into Russian territory in August.
Analysts highlight several challenges facing the North Korean troops, including:
- Lack of combat experience
- Language barriers
Strengthened Military Ties
While neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed the deployment, the two countries have deepened their military cooperation in recent months. During Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Pyongyang on June 19, Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense treaty, obliging both nations to provide immediate military assistance to one another if either faces aggression.
The deployment of North Korean troops, if verified, marks a significant escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the growing international involvement and alliances within the conflict.
