Zelenskyy claims N. Korean troops suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Friday that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk region are suffering heavy losses due to minimal protection and harsh treatment by Russian commanders.

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Why it matters

The alleged deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers to a European conflict deepens international concerns about the war’s scope. If confirmed, it raises questions about potential North Korean involvement and the broader geopolitical implications, including China’s role.

North Korean soldiers in a military drill. (AFP Photo)

Details

• Zelenskyy accused Russian units of sending North Koreans into frontline assaults with inadequate protection.
• He stated that many North Koreans are being executed by their own side to prevent them from being captured.
• Reports indicate about 12,000 North Korean troops are in the Kursk region, with over 3,000 casualties so far.
• Zelenskyy called on China to pressure Pyongyang against sending more troops, arguing North Koreans have no place on Europe’s battlefields.

Zoom in

Ukrainian forces reportedly captured a few North Korean soldiers, but their severe injuries led to fatalities, illustrating the harsh conditions they face.

Zoom out

The alleged North Korean presence underscores the global impact of the Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy's appeal to China highlights the international dimensions of the war and the potential for diplomatic intervention.

December 28, 2024 09:52 AM GMT+03:00