Wed Dec 25 00:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Thousands of North Korean Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Ukraine, Claims Zelenskyy
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Reports from Ukraine, South Korea, and the United States indicate significant casualties among North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims that over 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the Kursk region, a figure higher than South Korea’s estimate of at least 1,100 casualties (approximately 100 killed and 1,000 injured). These reports, while unverified by Al Jazeera, suggest a previously unknown level of North Korean involvement in the conflict.
While North Korea denies sending troops or weapons, evidence suggests otherwise. South Korean reports indicate Pyongyang sent millions of munitions to Moscow starting in September 2023 in exchange for raw materials and food. Ukraine has confirmed striking a Russian weapons arsenal containing North Korean munitions. Furthermore, a North Korean official has suggested that deploying troops to aid Russia would be lawful. The Pentagon previously estimated that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to the conflict.
The involvement of North Korean soldiers, reportedly arriving in October 2024, marks the first time the country’s military has intervened in a foreign conflict. Analysts suggest that Russia is paying North Korea approximately $2,000 per soldier monthly, a move driven by Russia’s need for manpower. Conversely, North Korea benefits from receiving much-needed supplies from Russia.
The deployment raises concerns amongst the US, South Korea, and Japan, particularly in light of a recently ratified mutual defense pact between Russia and North Korea. This pact, while not fully released, includes provisions for mutual military assistance in the event of attack. The three countries have expressed grave concerns regarding this agreement and the implications of North Korean involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy warns of the risk of further North Korean troop and equipment deployments.
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