Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency (HUR) announced on December 14 that North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia in Kursk province (Russia) mistakenly shot, killing 8 members of a Russian unit.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that “a significant number” of North Korean soldiers participated in Russian offensive operations in the Kursk region, according to The Kyiv Independent.
North Korean soldiers during a training session
According to HUR, a group of North Korean soldiers opened fire on members of the Chechen Akhmat unit fighting for Russia. The cause of the incident was the “language barrier” between Russian and North Korean soldiers.
According to HUR’s announcement, an estimated 200 soldiers from mixed Russian and North Korean units were killed as of December 14. By December 15, Ukraine’s intelligence agency clearly stated that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured, according to Reuters. Previously, President Zelensky announced that North Korean forces suffered “significant losses” but did not give a figure.
Russia and North Korea have not commented on the above information.
A few months ago, Ukrainian and Western officials warned that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers had gathered in Kursk, ready to support Russia’s efforts to fight Ukrainian troops in the region.
HUR said the Russian military has established special regulations in places where North Korean soldiers are stationed. Russian soldiers must be checked before entering these areas and their phones and electronic devices will be confiscated.
The first direct clash between North Korean and Ukrainian forces in Kursk province was reported in early November. According to Mr. Zelensky, North Korean soldiers have not been deployed to any other areas on the front line but that may change in the future.
Russia neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean soldiers in the country. North Korea initially denied sending troops to Russia, but a Pyongyang official later said it would be legal if it happened.
