Ukraine has engaged in military conflict with South Korean troops for the first time, as they are deployed to support Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The engagement between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers took place in Russia’s Kursk border region. Zelenskyy warned of Russia’s intention to escalate the war that has been ongoing for nearly 1,000 days and emphasized the need for strong counteraction to prevent the spread of terror. He expressed gratitude for the support of Ukraine’s allies around the world and called for efforts to prevent further escalation of the conflict with both Russia and South Korea.
The South Korean Defense Ministry reported that more than 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia, with a significant number in frontline areas, including the Kursk region. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov revealed that a small engagement had occurred between Ukrainian and North Korean troops, with the expectation of five North Korean units being deployed to the Kursk area. Umerov highlighted that the North Korean soldiers are mixed with Russian troops and are misidentified on their uniforms. Despite the engagement, there is no systematic mobilization of soldiers yet. The presence of North Korean troops in Russia raises concerns about the stability and security of nations in Asia that are allied with the West.
Russia is reported to have approximately 1.3 million active-duty soldiers and another 2 million in reserves. The country is currently experiencing its highest number of casualties since the war began, with around 1,200 casualties reported daily. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the significant number of troop casualties but noted that there is no clear end in sight to the conflict, indicating that it may continue as a war of attrition. President Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about the strategic goals behind North Korea’s actions and has called on South Korea to take a larger role in the conflict. North Korea’s recent involvement in the war and the deployment of troops in Russia have heightened tensions in the region.
Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of South Korea understanding the real capabilities of North Korea and its soldiers by witnessing the situation firsthand in Ukraine. The President mentioned that South Korea has promised to send a team of specialists to assist with defensive capabilities, including air defense, as North Korea provides Russia with artillery and missiles. Zelenskyy stressed the devastation caused by artillery strikes and the need for adequate preparation against such attacks. He also questioned China’s silence regarding North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. In response to North Korea’s actions, the United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted a trilateral drill with a long-range B-1B bomber, showcasing a display of force in the region.
North Korea has been active in the war, launching a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea and conducting a flight test of its newest intercontinental ballistic missile designed to reach the U.S. mainland. The United States’ response to these actions included a show of force in a trilateral drill with South Korea and Japan. Zelenskyy’s concerns about the expansion of the conflict due to North Korea’s involvement, and his call for increased support from South Korea, highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region. The ongoing war in Ukraine, combined with the geopolitical implications of North Korea’s actions, underscores the need for international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to mitigate further escalation and secure stability in the area.
