Ukraine Claims at Least 30 North Korean Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Kursk Region Fighting

Ukraine’s military intelligence reported on Monday that at least 30 North Korean soldiers, deployed by Russia to the western Kursk region, have been killed or wounded in recent clashes. The incident occurred on December 14 and 15 near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka, areas where Ukrainian forces have been actively reclaiming territory.

The DPRK army units suffered significant losses as part of a larger deployment of North Korean soldiers to reinforce Russian forces in the region, following a surprise Ukrainian offensive earlier this summer. Western officials estimate that Russia has received at least 10,000 North Korean troops to bolster its military efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday that North Korean soldiers have been integrated into Russian assault units in the Kursk region, where they are reportedly involved in operations to push Ukrainian forces out. Zelensky also noted that North Korean personnel may be deployed in other areas of the front line, with casualties among them already becoming significant.

Russia’s defense ministry recently reported regaining control of several small settlements in the Kursk region, which has been a focal point of heavy fighting since Ukraine launched its incursion in August.