Russia uses North Korean troops in combat while concealing casualties - Zelenskyy

According to Zelenskyy, he heard a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the situation at the front, particularly in the Donetsk region.

They also discussed the situation in the areas of the Kursk operation. Syrskyi reported on the participation of North Korean soldiers in battles on the side of the Russian army. The President noted that there are already many details about the destruction of these forces.

According to preliminary data, Russia is trying to conceal North Korean losses. Currently, the Ukrainian Defense Forces and intelligence are finding out full information about the real losses of Russian units, which also involved North Koreans.

"Unfortunately, we have to defend against them too, though there is no reason for Koreans to die in this war. The only reason is Putin’s madness, which has engulfed Russia and fuels this war. We will continue to defend our positions," Zelenskyy said.

North Korean troops in Russia

Recently, it became known that the North Korean military was involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. According to various sources, there are between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, including elite units.

They have been deployed to support Russian operations, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukraine previously carried out a successful counterattack. These troops operate disguised as Russian forces, highlighting Moscow’s efforts to conceal Pyongyang’s true role in the conflict. This involvement was the result of a military cooperation agreement concluded between Russia and North Korea in 2024.

Additionally, US Department of Defense spokesperson General Patrick Ryder confirmed earlier today that there are both fatalities and injuries among the North Korean soldiers sent to the Kursk region.