The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that the troops from North Korea have already suffered losses in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. According to a UNIAN correspondent, he made this statement at a press conference following his participation in the summit of the European Political Community in Budapest.
"Currently, 11 thousand soldiers from the North Korean army are present in the Russian Federation, near the border with Ukraine, specifically in the northern part of our country, in the Kursk region. A portion of these troops has already engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces. Yes, there have been losses. This is a fact," Zelensky emphasized.
He added that there are countries that have reacted loudly to North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine, some that have remained silent, and others that have responded quietly. Ukraine is currently working with the third category of states.
Zelensky pointed out two indicators that could help assess whether the world's reaction is sufficient.
"The first is a new wave of escalation, and undoubtedly, the involvement of the army or another state by Russia in the war against Ukraine. I believe that if we are consistent... Many leaders have said that if there is a new wave of escalation, we will be able to provide Ukraine with the opportunity for long-range capabilities. I think this is precisely the moment to do it," Zelensky stressed, adding that this issue needs to be addressed.
Notably, Ukraine had warned international partners about the increasing number of North Korean troops on the Russian side before their arrival in the Kursk region.
"And the second point... We are currently warning and believe that the next step, if we do not employ the appropriate weapons and political pressure on the Russian Federation, could be a much greater use of the North Korean contingent. Because Putin always observes the world's reaction. I believe that as of today, it is insufficient," Zelensky stated.
The War in Ukraine: Involvement of North Korean Troops
According to The Guardian, inexperienced, poorly trained, and inadequately fed North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. These soldiers are facing malnutrition and lack combat experience, making them vulnerable in unfamiliar territory.
As reported by Reuters, North Korean military personnel recently participated in combat in the Kursk region for the first time.