Ukraine Reports Casualties Among North Korean Soldiers in Kursk
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Loading... - Valeria Barrera
- 16 Dec 2024
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Ukraine announced on Monday that its military operations in the Kursk region have resulted in the deaths or injuries of at least 30 North Korean soldiers deployed by Russia. This development comes as Ukraine continues to reclaim territory in the western Kursk area, where Russian forces have been struggling to maintain control following a surprise offensive by Ukrainian troops earlier this summer.
According to Ukraine's military intelligence, significant losses were reported on December 14 and 15 near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka in the Kursk region. The intelligence indicated that North Korean units are being replenished with fresh personnel, with Western officials estimating that North Korea has sent at least 10,000 soldiers to support Russian forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted on December 14 that Russia has begun deploying a noticeable number of North Korean troops in assaults aimed at pushing Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. He stated that these North Korean soldiers are being integrated into combined units and utilized in operations in the area, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August. Zelensky also mentioned that losses among North Korean troops are becoming increasingly apparent.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, Russia's Defense Ministry reported last week that its troops had recaptured some small settlements in the Kursk region. However, a Ukrainian army source indicated that Ukraine currently controls approximately 800 square kilometers of territory in the region, a decrease from earlier claims of around 1,400 square kilometers.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky and several European leaders to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of air defense. The meeting is set to take place as European leaders gather in Brussels for the European Council meeting, with notable attendees expected to include French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish leader Donald Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This meeting comes amid discussions among Ukraine's European allies about the potential stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. Concerns have been raised regarding U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's intentions to pursue a quick deal to halt the fighting upon taking office in January, which has sparked fears in Kyiv and Europe that Ukraine may be pressured into making significant concessions to Moscow after nearly three years of conflict.
For now, officials maintain that discussions regarding any settlement are premature, and Rutte has urged leaders not to publicly debate potential peace conditions, as it could play into Russia's strategic interests.
