Zelensky claims that Russia is deploying North Korean soldiers in combat while concealing their casualties.

The Russian Federation has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in combat in the Kursk region. They have already suffered losses.

As reported by RBK-Ukraine, President Vladimir Zelensky stated this during his evening address.

According to Zelensky, he received a report from Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky. The report addressed the situation at the front, particularly in the Donetsk region.

They also discussed the circumstances surrounding the Kursk operation. Syrsky reported on the involvement of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside the Russian army. The President noted that there are already many details regarding the destruction of these forces.

Preliminary data suggests that the Russians are attempting to conceal the losses of the North Koreans. Currently, the Ukrainian Defense Forces and intelligence are working to uncover complete information about the actual losses of the Russian units that have also included Koreans.

"Unfortunately, we have to defend ourselves against them as well. There is no reason for Koreans to perish in this war. The only reason is the madness of Putin, which has engulfed Russia and fuels this conflict. We will continue to protect our positions," Zelensky said.

North Korean Troops in Russia

Recently, it became known that North Korean military personnel are participating in Russia's war against Ukraine. According to various sources, between 10,000 to 12,000 military personnel from North Korea are currently in Russia, including elite units.

They were dispatched to support Russian operations, including on the front lines in the Kursk region, where Ukraine previously conducted a successful counterattack. These forces operate under the guise of Russian military personnel, indicating Moscow's attempt to obscure Pyongyang's actual role in the conflict. This involvement stemmed from a military cooperation agreement signed between Russia and North Korea in 2024.

Additionally, today U.S. Department of Defense spokesman General Patrick Ryder confirmed that there are dead and wounded among the North Korean soldiers sent to the Kursk region.