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North Korean Troops Reportedly Killed in Combat Alongside Russian Forces in Kursk

North Korean troops have reportedly suffered casualties while fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk border region, according to the United States and Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR).

This marks the first reported deaths of North Korean soldiers since it emerged in October that Pyongyang had sent approximately 10,000 troops to bolster Russia’s war effort.

Report  has it that on Monday,  at least 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded during intense clashes over the weekend.

The North Korean soldiers, believed to lack prior combat experience, initially served in training and support roles before being deployed to front-line operations.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that the United States believed North Korean forces had “engaged in combat in Kursk alongside Russian forces” and had sustained casualties, both killed and wounded. Ryder added that the troops have been in combat roles for just over a week and were primarily being used as infantry.

He indicated that the North Koreans’ deployment appeared limited to Kursk, implying they had not crossed into Ukrainian territory.

Fighting in Kursk escalated after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into the region in August, occupying portions of the border area. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted Russia’s use of a “significant number” of North Korean troops in the region.

Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that the casualties occurred in the villages of Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka.

Zelensky shared drone footage on Telegram showing soldiers taking cover behind trees, alleging they were North Korean troops who had participated in an assault on Ukrainian positions. He also posted footage that purportedly showed Russian troops attempting to hide the presence of North Koreans by burning the faces of fallen soldiers to prevent identification.

“Ukraine’s Defense Forces and intelligence are working to determine the full extent of the actual losses suffered by Russian units that include North Koreans,” Zelensky said. “There is not a single reason for North Koreans to die in this war.”

The Kremlin declined to comment, referring questions to the Russian Ministry of Defence, which has yet to address the reports.

The involvement of North Korean forces has sparked widespread international condemnation. The European Union and nations including the UK, US, Australia, and South Korea denounced Pyongyang’s role in the conflict as a “dangerous expansion” with serious implications for both European and Indo-Pacific security.

In response, the US Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions earlier this week on nine individuals and seven entities accused of providing financial and military support to North Korea.

The deployment of North Korean troops reflects the growing alignment between Russia and Pyongyang, further deepening concerns about global security ramifications as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

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