A U.S. official has confirmed casualties among North Korean troops in Russia, following a Ukrainian strike that reportedly killed about 500 soldiers. This strike hit a command center in the Kursk region, prompting discussions regarding North Korea’s military involvement alongside Russia. Ukrainian officials are now seeking support from South Korea amid escalating tensions between Russia and South Korea regarding military assistance.
TAIPEI, Taiwan – A U.S. official has confirmed that North Korean troops stationed in Russia have incurred casualties following a Ukrainian military strike. This confirmation follows reports suggesting that approximately 500 North Korean soldiers were killed by an allied Ukrainian attack utilizing British missiles. The U.S. Department of Defense official stated that these casualties occurred in the Kursk region due to airstrikes by the Ukrainian forces targeting a command center believed to be used by North Korean and Russian officers.
Prior statements from the Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary indicated that while independent confirmation of these North Korean casualties was not possible, South Korea’s security agency verified having “specific intelligence” on the matter, albeit without providing a precise casualty figure. Pro-Russian media suggested that up to twelve British Storm Shadow missiles struck the target in the village of Maryno, leading to significant losses. According to various reports, the strike also resulted in the death of a high-ranking North Korean official.
The presence of North Korean troops in Russia has been acknowledged by both the United States and South Korea, with estimates suggesting that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed in August to support Russian military operations in Kursk against Ukrainian forces. However, both Russia and North Korea have yet to officially confirm this deployment.
In related developments, Ukrainian officials, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, are visiting Seoul to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Their agenda includes sharing intelligence regarding North Korean troop movements and requesting military aid for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. In response to the situation, President Yoon noted the shift in South Korea’s stance on military support due to North Korean troop involvement, despite previous positions against supplying arms to active conflict zones. Russia has issued warnings of severe repercussions should South Korea decide to arm Ukraine, stating that such actions would “fully destroy relations between the two countries.”
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen various international military dynamics unfold, particularly involving North Korea’s military assistance to Russia against Ukrainian forces. Recent intelligence indicates that North Korean troops have engaged in combat operations within the Kursk region of Russia. Such deployments are significant due to North Korea’s historically isolated stance and the implications of its involvement alongside Russian forces. This situation further complicates geopolitical relations, especially as Western nations monitor developments regarding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly concerning arms supplies and wartime engagements.
In summary, the confirmation of casualties among North Korean troops in Russia following a Ukrainian military strike highlights the increasing complexity of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its regional implications. As both the United States and South Korea remain vigilant regarding North Korean military actions, the potential for escalated tensions involving South Korea’s arms policies and Russia’s warnings signifies critical geopolitical strife to monitor moving forward. The developments underscore the intertwined nature of global military partnerships amid active conflict.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
