Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.
Ukrainian Defense Confirms Engagement with North Korean Soldiers Near the Frontline
Ukraine Reports First Combat with North Korean Troops, Signaling New Global Tensions
Ukrainian officials have confirmed that Ukrainian forces have clashed with North Korean troops for the first time, a move that signals a new and troubling development in the ongoing conflict with Russia. In an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov revealed that a "small group" of North Korean soldiers engaged with Ukrainian forces near the frontlines, sparking concerns across the international community.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, saying that these "first battles with North Korea open a new chapter of instability in the world." The clash has raised questions over potential new alliances and the escalation of military partnerships between Russia and North Korea.
Seoul Raises Doubts on Direct Engagement
While Ukraine reported combat with North Korean troops, South Korea’s defense ministry responded cautiously, stating that although there was an "incident" involving a few North Korean soldiers, it did not believe direct combat took place. South Korean and US intelligence, along with NATO, have observed North Korean military involvement in Russia’s operations, estimating that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian troops are active.
North Korean Troops Reported to Be Under Russian Command
Ukraine’s counter-disinformation official Andriy Kovalenko indicated in a social media post that North Korean units had already encountered combat in Kursk. Defense Minister Umerov echoed this information, adding that most of the North Korean soldiers are undergoing tactical training while wearing Russian uniforms and are being deployed under various Russian command structures. Umerov estimated that up to five units, each with about 3,000 troops, may eventually be deployed across battle lines, though large-scale engagement has not yet occurred.
Zelensky’s Call to Action Against North Korean Involvement
In a statement on Wednesday, Zelensky urged the international community to counter Russia’s alleged attempt to expand the war by involving North Korean forces. “We must work together with the world to make this Russian step toward expanding the war a failure,” he said, warning of potential consequences for both Russia and North Korea.
Seoul Considers Further Action as Tensions Rise
Reports of North Korean involvement have raised significant alarm in South Korea, where officials recently summoned the Russian ambassador, demanding the "immediate withdrawal" of North Korean troops from Ukraine. Seoul also indicated it is considering supplying arms directly to Ukraine in response to this development.
Analysts suggest that North Korea may be receiving payment or access to Russian military technology in return for its troop deployment. Further complicating matters, Russian lawmakers are expected to vote on a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, which was initially proposed following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June. This treaty pledges that both nations will come to each other’s aid in the event of aggression, potentially deepening their military collaboration.
As the situation develops, the reported engagement of North Korean soldiers on European battlefields marks a significant shift, drawing heightened international scrutiny and raising concerns about escalating alliances and regional stability.
