North Korean Troops Engage in Combat with Ukrainian Forces for the First Time
Reports have emerged of North Korean troops engaging in combat with Ukrainian forces for the first time, according to top Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been vocal about the lack of action from the West regarding the presence of North Korean troops, described these initial battles as a significant development that signals a new chapter of global instability.
While South Korea has stated that they do not believe troops on both sides engaged in direct combat, they have acknowledged an incident involving a limited number of North Korean soldiers near the frontline.
It is estimated that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are positioned in the Kursk border area, where Ukrainian forces have a strong presence.
Recent intelligence reports from South Korea, the US, and NATO have provided evidence of North Korean troops participating in Russia’s conflict. However, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have directly addressed these claims.
Last month, Seoul summoned Russia’s ambassador to demand the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from the conflict in Ukraine and hinted at the possibility of directly supplying arms to Ukraine.
Analysts speculate that Pyongyang may receive payment or access to Russian military technology in exchange for its deployment of troops.
On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers are scheduled to vote on ratifying a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, a proposal that was first discussed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June.
