In a startling development, Ukrainian forces have reportedly engaged North Korean troops for the first time since their deployment in the Russian border region. This information comes from Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Centre for Countering Disinformation, who stated that North Korean forces in the Kursk region have come under fire.
The presence of North Korean troops in the area has been a subject of international concern. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed worry about reports of North Korean forces being sent to Russia and their potential deployment in the Ukrainian conflict zone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously hinted at the possibility of pre-emptive strikes on North Korean troop training camps. However, he noted that such action would require permission from allies to use Western-made long-range weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory.
Intelligence reports suggest that North Korea is sending approximately 10,000 troops, including elite special forces, to Russia. This move has been described as a "significant escalation" in the ongoing conflict by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Both the United States and South Korea have urged North Korea to withdraw its troops, with US intelligence confirming the presence of North Korean forces in Russia's Kursk border region. Neither North Korea nor Russia have denied these reports.
The involvement of North Korean troops adds a new dimension to the already complex conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over two and a half years since Russia's invasion. North Korea, along with Iran, has emerged as one of Russia's main supporters in this conflict, reportedly supplying military hardware.
Experts believe that Pyongyang's military support may be in exchange for Russian nuclear technology, further complicating the geopolitical implications of this development.
As tensions escalate, Ukraine continues to defend its territory. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian Air Defence successfully intercepted 50 out of 80 drones across nine regions. However, ballistic missile and guided bomb attacks in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions resulted in three fatalities and thirteen injuries.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation as North Korean troops become directly involved in the conflict. The international community watches closely as this new chapter unfolds in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.