Ukraine: 30 North Koreans killed in Kursk

Published December 18, 2024 at 6:21 a.m.

Foreign. At least 30 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in fighting in the Russian Kursk region, according to data from Ukraine's military intelligence service HUR.

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The news from Kyiv Independent comes after media reports, citing US military sources, claimed that hundreds of North Koreans had died in Kursk.

The fighting that allegedly led to North Korean losses took place on December 14 and 15 near the villages of Pliechovo, Vorozjba and Martynovka.

According to HUR, the lost soldiers will be replaced with new soldiers from North Korea's 94th separate brigade.

Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing.

Ukrainian and Western officials have previously warned that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have gathered in the Kursk region to support Russia's efforts to drive out Ukrainian forces.

The first minor clashes between North Korean and Ukrainian soldiers were reported in early November. But now the North Koreans are actively participating in ground offensives, according to HUR.

The information from Ukrainian intelligence has not been verified by independent sources, according to Kyiv Independent, and it is still unclear what role the North Korean forces play in the war.