North Korean soldiers sent to Ukraine to support Russia’s invasion have been killed in fighting, according to reports.
The troops were promised to Vladimir Putin by President Kim Jong Un during a state visit to Pyongyang.
Now Ukrainian media have reported the deaths of six North Korean officers in a rocket attack on Russian-occupied Donetsk earlier this month.
The incident was also cited by South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who said it was “very likely” true. If so, this would be the first confirmation that Kim’s forces are stationed on or near the front lines.
North Korean soldiers sent to Ukraine to support Russia’s invasion have been killed in fighting, according to reports. This photo taken on October 2 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (center L) inspecting a Korean People’s Army Special Operations Forces training base
The incident was also cited by South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who said it was “very likely” true. If so, this would be the first confirmation that Kim’s forces are stationed on or near the front lines. This photo taken on October 2 shows troops participating in training at a Korean People’s Army Special Operations Forces base
The troops were promised to Vladimir Putin by President Kim Jong Un during a state visit to Pyongyang. This photo shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanging documents during a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024
South Korea is closely monitoring the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine.
It is believed that the first batch deployed there were technical specialists, who were expected to be used to strengthen the defenses behind Russian lines.
Both Ukraine and Russia have foreign fighters in their ranks. A number of British volunteers have been killed fighting for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia is recruiting soldiers from pro-Moscow African states and international mercenaries.
North Korea has also emerged as a major supplier of weapons and other military equipment to Russia. In return, Russian scientists would provide expertise in the production of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
South Korea is closely monitoring the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine. This photo taken on September 11, 2024 shows soldiers training at a base for the Korean People’s Army (KPA) Special Operations Forces at an undisclosed location in North Korea
Now Ukrainian media have reported the deaths of six North Korean officers in a rocket attack on Russian-occupied Donetsk earlier this month. This photo taken on September 11 shows soldiers training at a secret location in North Korea
The Pyongyang regime has been banned from tests using ballistic technology by United Nations sanctions.
But Moscow used its U.N. Security Council veto in March to effectively end U.N. monitoring of violations, for which Pyongyang specifically thanked Russia.
Moscow and Pyongyang have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II and have grown even closer since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to South Korean sources, Russia also paid North Korea for sending troops. They have quoted an annual fee, agreed by Putin in June, of £92 million.
Russian battlefield losses currently average 1,200 casualties daily.
South Korea and North Korea remain fierce enemies and the Seoul government has threatened to increase its military support to Ukraine in response.