Zelenskyy: Evidence shows Russia has begun using North Korean troops in assaults

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that evidence has emerged suggesting that Russia has begun using North Korean troops in assaults against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian troops are conducting operations.

Source: an address by Zelenskyy

Quote: "Today, preliminary evidence suggests that the Russians have begun using a significant number of North Korean soldiers in their assaults.

The Russians are integrating them into combined units and deploying them in operations in Kursk Oblast. So far, they have only been used there. However, information suggests they may be used in other parts of the war zone. Losses among these forces are already noticeable.

In fact, Moscow has dragged another state into this war, and dragged it in to the maximum extent possible. And if that's not an escalation, then what is the escalation many have been talking about?"

Details: Zelenskyy noted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is pushing away the possibility of peace and wants "more problems in Asia and the world" and "that's why the Russians are teaching North Korea modern warfare".

The Ukrainian leader stated that Russia ignores calls for de-escalation. "If there is no tough response from the world, Russia makes the war worse. It always does," the Ukrainian president stressed.

Quote: "We will defend ourselves, particularly against these North Koreans. And we will continue to act in a coordinated manner with all our partners to stop this war – to put a reliable end to it with guaranteed peace.

Next week, we will discuss our joint efforts in Europe. Sanctions against Russia, support for our defence and investment in Europe's common defence, and strong diplomacy for peace – these are things that must be gaining increasingly more focus every week so that next year, together with our partners, we can achieve our main goal."

Previously: On the morning of 14 December, Ukrainian intelligence announced that the Russian command would soon engage North Korean troops in direct assault operations.

Background:

• On 7 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that North Korean forces fighting on the side of Russia in Kursk Oblast had already suffered casualties.
• The United States confirmed that North Korean troops had taken part in hostilities in Kursk Oblast.
• In addition, The New York Times reported that a 50,000-strong group of Russian and North Korean troops was preparing to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast.

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