Ukraine Confirms North Korean Soldier Clashes
Ukrainian officials have revealed the first clashes between North Korean and Ukrainian soldiers, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that a “small group” of North Korean soldiers faced an attack. US sources have corroborated this information, confirming that North Korean troops engaged in combat in Russia’s Kursk region on November 4.
Zelensky Condemns North Korean Involvement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed grave concern over the North Korean involvement, stating that it “opens a new chapter of instability in the world.” Zelensky has urged the West to respond to this escalating threat, calling for collective action to thwart Russia’s attempt to expand the war.
Seoul’s Skepticism and Ukrainian Claims
South Korea has expressed skepticism about direct combat between North Korean and Ukrainian forces, opting instead to refer to it as an “incident” involving a small number of North Korean soldiers near the frontline. Ukraine, however, maintains that an estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers are present in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are stationed.
Intelligence Reports and Lack of Official Response
In recent weeks, South Korean and US intelligence, along with NATO, have gathered evidence suggesting the presence of North Korean troops in Russia’s war effort. However, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has directly addressed these allegations. Ukraine’s top counter-disinformation official, Andriy Kovalenko, initially announced the clashes on Telegram, which were subsequently confirmed by Minister Umerov.
Umerov’s Expectations and Soldier Deployment
According to Umerov, North Korean troops are expected to engage in combat “in significant numbers.” He noted that these soldiers are currently undergoing training while wearing Russian uniforms. Umerov also stated that five units of approximately 3,000 soldiers each would likely be deployed across the battlefield. The minister did not provide details on casualties.
South Korea’s Concerns and Calls for Withdrawal
South Korea has expressed heightened concern over North Korea’s involvement, leading to increased tensions between the two countries. Seoul summoned Russia’s ambassador last month, demanding the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean troops from Ukraine. South Korea has also contemplated supplying arms directly to Ukraine.
Mutual Defense Treaty between Russia and North Korea
On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers are scheduled to vote on ratifying a mutual defense treaty with North Korea. This treaty, first proposed during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June, commits Russia and North Korea to support each other in the event of “aggression.”
Potential Compensation for Pyongyang
Analysts speculate that Pyongyang may receive financial compensation or access to Russian military technology in exchange for its troop deployment. The full extent of any such agreement remains unclear.
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