In a fierce battle in Russia's Kursk region, Ukraine's elite 8th Special Operations Forces (SSO) Regiment successfully repelled an attack by North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces, inflicting heavy casualties during an intense eight-hour confrontation.
According to an SSO report, Ukrainian forces killed 21 North Korean soldiers and wounded 40 others using small arms, grenade launchers, and precision sniper fire. Video footage released by the SSO captured dramatic scenes of close-quarters combat, with some engagements occurring at distances as close as 20 meters.
The Ukrainian defenders, supported by infantry units, maintained their defensive positions despite dwindling ammunition supplies. After nine hours of sustained combat, with only one-third of their ammunition remaining, the SSO forces executed a tactical withdrawal via Humvees after neutralizing the remaining DPRK attackers.
This battle marks a notable escalation in North Korea's involvement in the conflict. Previously, Ukrainian forces had captured two North Korean soldiers in the same region - the first confirmed evidence of Pyongyang's direct military participation in the war.
The clash occurred in Ukrainian-occupied areas of Kursk, a region that military analysts consider strategically valuable for future peace negotiations. The successful defense by Ukrainian special forces demonstrates their continued capability to repel coordinated attacks, even from unexpected adversaries.
The SSO's report included video documentation from drone footage and body cameras, though independent verification of the materials remains pending. This engagement represents one of the most substantial direct confrontations between Ukrainian and North Korean forces since the latter's involvement in the conflict began.