Janice R. Andrews
The United States has confirmed that North Korean troops are engaged in combat in Russia, with casualties reported during clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This marks the first official acknowledgment of North Korean military involvement and losses in the ongoing war.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed on December 16 that North Korean soldiers have been fighting in Kursk and have sustained casualties, including deaths and injuries. While exact numbers are not yet available, he noted that these troops were deployed last week and integrated into Russian infantry units.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that North Korean forces have suffered “several dozens” of casualties. He added that the deployment of troops from reserve positions to the front lines is a recent shift, and more details may emerge soon.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also addressed the issue, warning that if North Korean troops were to cross into Ukraine, it would represent a serious escalation by both Russia and North Korea. “Such actions would escalate the conflict further, with North Korea actively participating in Russia’s war of aggression against a sovereign nation,” Miller said.
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia highlights the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, raising concerns in the West. This development could potentially complicate international efforts to contain the war and its broader implications on global security.
