In a stark revelation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region are suffering significant casualties and are being poorly supported by the Russian military. In his nightly video address on 27 December 2024, Zelenskyy described the situation faced by North Koreans as dire and alarming.
Casualties and Lack of Support
According to Zelenskyy, more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the ongoing conflict, with Ukrainian and Western intelligence estimating around 12,000 North Korean troops stationed in the Kursk region. He noted that these troops are being sent into battle with minimal protection.
- Over 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded
- Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops in Kursk
- Reports of executions by their own forces to prevent capture
International Implications
Zelenskyy urged neighbouring countries, particularly China, to exert pressure on North Korea to stop contributing to the conflict in Ukraine. He stated, “This is something that Korea’s neighbours, including China, can influence.” He also emphasised the need to prevent further loss of life among the Korean people.
Comments from U.S. Officials
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House, reinforced Zelenskyy’s concerns, indicating that North Korean troops are being viewed as expendable in the face of severe losses. Kirby revealed that just in the last week alone, approximately 1,000 North Korean troops have been killed or injured—numbers that considerably surpass previous estimates by U.S. officials.
Kirby described the military strategy employed against Ukrainian forces as massed, dismounted assaults, which seem futile in achieving any strategic advantage.
Responses from Involved Parties
As the situation evolves, there has been no immediate response from North Korea’s mission to the United Nations regarding these claims, while Russia’s UN mission has also refrained from commenting.
The implications of these developments are vast, not only for the ongoing conflict but also for international relations, especially among powers in the Asia-Pacific region.