First Combat With North Korean Troops in Russia Confirmed, Zelenskyy Pledges Strong Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially confirmed the first combat encounter between Ukrainian and North Korean forces.

Ukrinform reported that Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to individuals worldwide who have responded to the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. “The initial clashes with North Korean soldiers open a new chapter of instability in the world,” he added.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for collaboration with the international community to take all necessary actions that would impose losses on Russia’s efforts to escalate the conflict, asserting that Russia’s choices will ultimately be detrimental to them.

He further warned, “Terror, unfortunately, can spread like a virus when it does not meet with sufficient resistance.” Zelenskyy stressed the importance of strengthening resolve and indicated that the response must be robust enough to counter the current threat effectively.

This marks Zelenskyy’s first public acknowledgment of the initial skirmish with North Korean forces. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, reported on Tuesday that the first unit of North Korean troops has already come under fire in Kursk.