"Wave of escalation"

Ukraine: casualties in clashes with North Koreans

North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un in front of cheering soldiers. Thousands are said to be fighting in Ukraine.

(Bild: AFP)

According to reports from Kiev, the first casualties have been reported in clashes between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers in the Russian border region. According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov, a "small group" of North Korean soldiers was attacked. 

"Yes, there are already casualties. That is a fact," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on Thursday evening in Budapest, without giving further details. According to him, some of the 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Russian border region of Kursk are involved in battles with the Ukrainian army.

"New wave of escalation"
Selensky described the deployment of North Koreans by Moscow as "a new chapter of instability in the world" and a "new wave of escalation". He once again called on the West to respond by releasing long-range weapons against targets in Russia. "I think this is precisely the moment to do so", said the head of state.

North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un in front of cheering soldiers. Thousands are already said to be fighting in Ukraine.

(Bild: AFP)

Even "larger contingent" before deployment
If there is no response, the Kremlin will deploy an even larger contingent of North Koreans, he is certain. "Because (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is always looking to see what the world's reaction will be," he said. At the moment, the world is not reacting sufficiently.

For several weeks, Ukraine has been warning of the deployment of North Korean soldiers on the Russian side. The USA and South Korea had confirmed the presence of North Koreans in Russia. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for over two and a half years with Western help.