Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Thursday that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia’s Kursk region have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces, resulting in casualties. Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Hungary, Zelensky said approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in the region, where Ukraine’s military campaign into Russian territory has slowed.
“Some of these troops have already taken part in hostilities against the Ukrainian military. Yes, there are already losses, this is a fact,” Zelensky stated, though he did not clarify which side had suffered the fatalities.
The New York Times recently reported that North Korean soldiers were killed in limited skirmishes involving both Russian and Ukrainian forces, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials. This marks the first confirmed instance of North Korean troops participating in direct combat in the ongoing conflict.
Growing Moscow-Pyongyang Alliance
The deployment underscores the strengthening military ties between Russia and North Korea, raising concerns in Washington and among its allies. The U.S. and NATO are deliberating on their response to this deepening partnership.
The news comes as global attention shifts to the potential impact of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s reelection. Trump has promised to end the war within “24 hours” and suggested Ukraine might need to make territorial concessions to Russia, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv.
Putin Signals Openness to Talks with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue. Speaking at a forum in Sochi, Putin said Trump’s comments on ending the war “deserve attention,” adding, “We’re ready [for talks].”
Trump has hinted that his approach could involve freezing the conflict, effectively cementing Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories, including Donbas and Crimea.
Intensifying Conflict on the Front Lines
Meanwhile, the battlefield remains active. Ukraine’s military is under intense pressure as Russia launches its most aggressive offensives since the war began. Ukrainian cities are enduring relentless drone strikes, with Kyiv experiencing near-daily attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Zelensky warned that Moscow’s collaboration with Pyongyang could escalate further unless Ukraine receives more long-range weapons. “We are facing a new wave of escalation involving the army of another state,” he said, emphasizing the need for stronger international support.
North Korean Troops’ Role in Kursk Offensive
Intercepted communications suggest tensions between Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region. The U.S. and its allies had earlier warned of North Korea’s involvement, with fears that its military presence in Russia could expand if diplomatic and military pressure on Moscow falters.
Zelensky urged global leaders to act decisively, warning that inaction could embolden Russia and its allies. “If we do not use appropriate weapons and political pressure, the next step could see an even larger North Korean contingent in the war against Ukraine,” he cautioned.
