Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukrainian forces have clashed with North Korean troops deployed as part of the Russian military, renewing his call for further international support.
In a video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy acknowledged the first direct confrontation between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers integrated into Russia’s military. He stated, “This initial clash with North Korean troops marks a new chapter in global instability.” Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the countries providing tangible support, emphasizing that it’s not just about verbal backing but real, concrete actions to strengthen Ukraine’s defense.
Zelenskyy further stressed, “We must work together with the international community to thwart Russia’s attempts to escalate this conflict. Our goal is clear: to ensure the failure of Putin’s regime and the defeat of both Russia and North Korea in this effort.”
Zelenskyy’s comments confirm earlier reports from Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council. Kovalenko had previously reported that North Korean forces had their first engagement in Russia’s western Kursk region earlier in November.
Ukrainian officials clarified that these engagements were small-scale skirmishes rather than full-scale battles.
In an exclusive interview with KBS, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov offered more insight: “These were minor skirmishes with a limited number of troops involved. We expect a significant deployment of North Korean forces within the next few weeks once their training is complete.” Umerov explained that North Korean units in Kursk are training in Russian uniforms and operating under separate command structures. The skirmishes occurred when some Russian commanders integrated North Korean soldiers into their units for combat operations against Ukrainian forces.
Umerov also estimated that the number of North Korean troops already assigned to or slated to join Russian forces could rise to as many as 15,000.