Zelenskyy Confirms First Deaths of North Korean Soldiers in Russia’s Criminal War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the first confirmed deaths of North Korean soldiers deployed in western Russia while fighting alongside Russian forces in their ongoing war against Ukraine. This revelation came during an exclusive interview with Kyodo News.

Zelenskyy disclosed that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, near the Ukrainian border. However, he stressed the importance of “proven facts” before providing a verified count of casualties. The announcement followed reports from Ukrainian military sources, who claimed that a Storm Shadow missile strike had injured a North Korean general and killed several DPRK officers in the Kursk region.

Drone footage further confirmed Ukraine’s success in targeting North Korean forces:

• A Bulsae-4 missile system was destroyed in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Drone strikes killed several North Korean infantry soldiers.

The Ukrainian leader predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would continue using North Korean troops as “disposable cannon fodder,” highlighting the Kremlin’s desperation in replenishing its dwindling manpower.

Escalating Tensions and Global Reactions

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for NATO membership, arguing that international support, while appreciated, remains insufficient as the war enters a “complicated phase.” He criticised Russia’s accelerated attacks in eastern Ukraine and called for decisive Western action.

In response to Ukraine’s advances, US President Joe Biden authorised the use of long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets. This strategic decision aims to reinforce Ukraine’s military capabilities ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, amidst fears of a potential shift in US policy.

Meanwhile, Putin’s reaction has been to escalate the nuclear threat. The Kremlin announced the deployment of intermediate-range missiles equipped with nuclear warhead capabilities—a chilling development and a stark reminder of Russia’s disregard for global peace.