Ukrainian officials have reported the first-ever clash between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers allegedly supporting Russian troops in Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS that a “small group” of North Korean troops had come under Ukrainian fire near the front lines.
President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the incident, describing it as a “new chapter of instability in the world,” and criticized the international community’s response to this development.
South Korean officials expressed skepticism about direct combat but confirmed an “incident” involving North Korean troops near the frontlines, reportedly in Ukraine’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces hold positions.
Ukraine estimates that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the region, raising concerns among Western intelligence and NATO, which have also reported North Korean military involvement on the Russian side. Moscow and Pyongyang have yet to address these allegations.
Rustem Umerov noted that the North Korean soldiers are undergoing training, wearing Russian uniforms, and are integrated into Russian commands on the front lines. He indicated that approximately 15,000 North Korean troops could ultimately be deployed across combat zones.
President Zelensky called for a unified international response to prevent the situation from escalating further, urging that North Korea’s involvement be condemned.
The South Korean government, alarmed by the reports, has requested the “immediate withdrawal” of North Korean forces from Ukraine. It has also hinted at possibly supplying Ukraine with arms should the situation continue.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s participation may be in exchange for financial compensation or access to Russian military technology, with a mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea expected to be ratified soon. The treaty would formalize military cooperation, which could escalate tensions further.