South Korea counts North Korean soldiers at Russia's war against Ukraine
Photo: Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived at the front (Getty Images)
Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia to participate in its war against Ukraine. A significant number of them are located in frontline areas, including the Kursk region, according to South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou.
“We understand that more than 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, and a significant number of them have moved to the frontline areas including Kursk,” Jeong Ha-kyou said at a briefing, citing intelligence agencies.
However, when asked whether North Koreans were involved in the fighting, Jeong said he had no information. He was also unable to confirm South Korean media reports, citing an unnamed government official, that about 40 North Korean soldiers had been killed on the battlefield.
These statements came a few hours after Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder said that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers were in the Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine, but could not confirm reports that they were involved in the fighting.
The Pentagon spokesperson emphasized that much depends on how Russia decides to use this North Korean contingent, and how well they are integrated, what kind of combat experience they have.
Ukraine's Defense Intelligence also said that about 12,000 North Korean military personnel, including 500 officers and three generals, are already in Russia and are being trained at five military bases.
The day before, there were reports that the North Korean military had already come under fire in the Kursk region. However, no detailed information on the results of the strike has been made public.
