Written By Lisa Murimi
Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that North Korean soldiers have clashed with Ukrainian forces for the first time.
Speaking to South Korean broadcaster KBS, Umerov described a “small group” of North Korean soldiers who were attacked in the border region of Kursk, where Ukrainian troops maintain a presence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the lack of global response to North Korea’s involvement, stating, “These first battles with North Korea open a new chapter of instability in the world.”
He urged Ukraine and its allies to act decisively to counteract this escalation.
Although Ukraine estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed near Kursk, Seoul has downplayed reports of direct combat.
It confirmed only an “incident” involving a few North Korean troops near the frontline.
South Korean and US intelligence, along with NATO, have observed evidence of North Korean involvement, but Moscow and Pyongyang have not responded to these allegations.
The development has raised tensions in East Asia, with South Korea considering direct arms support for Ukraine and Russia seeking to solidify a mutual defense pact with North Korea.
