North Korean troops have reportedly engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces for the first time, according to top Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who previously criticised the West’s lack of action regarding the presence of North Korean troops, stated that these “initial battles with North Korea signify a new chapter of instability globally.”
However, South Korea has indicated that it does “not believe [troops on both sides] engaged in direct combat” but acknowledged there was an “incident” involving a limited number of North Korean soldiers “near the frontline.”
Ukraine estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are located in the Kursk border area, where Ukrainian forces have established a presence.
In recent weeks, South Korean and US intelligence, along with NATO, reported evidence of North Korean troops participating in Russia’s conflict. Yet, Moscow and Pyongyang have not directly addressed any of these claims.
Last month, Seoul summoned Russia’s ambassador to demand the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops from the conflict in Ukraine and warned it might contemplate directly supplying arms to Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that Pyongyang could receive payment or gain access to Russian military technology in exchange for its troop deployment.
On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers are set to vote on ratifying a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, first suggested during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lavish trip to Pyongyang in June.