Zelenskyy: Russia Using North Korean Soldiers on Kursk Front

Zelenskyy: Russia Using North Korean Soldiers on Kursk Front
North Korean Forces' Entry into Battlefield Represents Strategic Shift in Russian-Ukrainian War and Escalation Requiring International Response
December 14, 2024, 11:10 pm

زيلينسكي \ تعبيرية \ متداول

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Saturday Russia's first-time use of large numbers of North Korean fighters attacking Ukrainian forces maintaining control of pocket in Russia's Kursk region.

Zelenskyy presented North Korean fighters' use as new conflict escalation, demanding international response, while Donald Trump's anticipated White House return next month sparks peace talks speculation.

Zelenskyy emphasized in evening video address: "Today, we already have preliminary data indicating Russians began using North Korean soldiers in their attacks. Large numbers of them."

He noted Moscow integrating North Korean elements within joint Russian units, currently limited to Kursk front, adding "we have information suggesting their use may extend to other frontline parts."

Kyiv previously indicated North Korean elements' October appearance in Russia's Kursk region, later announcing unspecified casualties, estimating total forces around 11,000 elements, plus tens of thousands of Russians.

Moscow avoided commenting on North Korean forces' presence. Ukraine, with Russia occupying fifth of its territory, penetrated Russia's western Kursk region in August, controlling area considered potential leverage in war-ending negotiations.

Ukraine struggles maintaining region despite Western military analysts questioning penetration's feasibility, considering it extended already vast front line, revealing Ukrainian forces' numerical weakness against larger enemy.

Kyiv presented operation's goal as dispersing Russian forces, but didn't prevent Moscow achieving fastest eastern gains since 2022, despite suffering heavy losses per Kyiv and Western estimates.

Levant-Agencies

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