Russia 'using North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults', says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported Saturday that Russia is deploying North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.

Zelensky stated during his evening address that he has “preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults -- a noticeable number of them”.

He added that, according to his information, “the Russians include (North Koreans) in combined units and use them in operations in the Kursk region,” where Ukrainian forces launched an incursion in August.

Zelensky said he’s also been informed these soldiers “may be used in other parts of the front line,” and that “losses among this category are also already noticeable.”

This follows Zelensky’s claim last month that 11,000 North Korean troops were present in the Kursk region and had already suffered casualties.

Russia and North Korea increased military cooperation after signing a defense agreement this summer. Ukraine’s military advance in the region has slowed after initial gains, with Russia sending reinforcements.