The U.S. government has confirmed that North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed in clashes with Ukrainian forces near the contested city of Kursk. Ukrainian sources further allege that the Russian troops are cremating the bodies of fallen North Korean soldiers to conceal their losses.
During a press briefing on Monday, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder reported that North Korean forces have been engaged in combat operations alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region, with indications of North Korean casualties. This statement marks the first official U.S. acknowledgment of North Korean troop involvement and losses in Russia.
While Ryder did not provide specific casualty figures, he confirmed that North Korean troops were deployed last week, primarily serving as infantry units integrated into Russian forces.
John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, elaborated on recent military observations, noting that North Korean forces have moved from rear echelons to “front lines” and are actively participating in operations. He acknowledged that while exact numbers are unavailable, it is believed that North Korean forces have suffered significant casualties, including both fatalities and injuries, with estimates suggesting “dozens of casualties.”
Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller also confirmed the presence of North Korean combat fatalities in Russia. Miller emphasized that this deployment signals an escalation in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Sending North Korean troops to fight on Ukrainian soil, he added, represents a “further significant escalation.”
When questioned about China’s role in curbing Russia-North Korea military ties, Miller noted that China has significant leverage to deter actions that escalate the conflict.
Reports previously suggested that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops had been dispatched to support Russian operations in Ukraine. These forces were expected to be deployed to Russian-occupied areas near western Kursk to aid consolidation efforts.
On Saturday, Ukrainian military intelligence reported that combined North Korean-Russian units had suffered around 200 casualties following deployments to the Kursk front. Ukrainian forces also released drone footage showing fallen North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared additional details via Telegram, claiming that Russian forces are incinerating the bodies of fallen North Korean troops to hide their losses. Zelenskyy presented video evidence, stating: “Russia is making concerted efforts to conceal the presence of North Korean troops. Even during training, these soldiers are prohibited from showing their faces.”
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