Is North Korea Now a Player in the Ukraine War? First Combat with Ukrainian Forces Confirmed

According to recent intelligence, Ukrainian forces have engaged in combat with North Korean troops deployed to the Russian western front in Kursk.

On Sunday, RBC Ukraine cited statements from Chief of the General Staff of the Ukraine Armed Forces Anatoliy Barhylevych. Barhylevych revealed, “Over 11,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed in Kursk. They have already clashed with Ukrainian forces.” This marks the first official confirmation of direct engagement between Ukrainian and North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict.

Barhylevych stated that most North Korean troops are part of the regular units and are posing as indigenous people from Russia’s Far East with complete identification documents. These troops have undergone specialized training for operations in Europe.

Earlier reports from late October suggested a significant concentration of North Korean forces in the Kursk region, preparing for combat operations. Global Defense Corporation reported that a Ukrainian strike using British-made Storm Shadow missiles last week resulted in approximately 500 North Korean casualties.

The conflict continues to escalate, with Russia launching its new Oreshinik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on November 21 in response to Ukraine’s use of American-made ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba offered a sobering assessment: A swift conclusion to the conflict is unlikely even if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. He stressed, “Ukraine will not accept a hasty resolution. The key to ending this war and achieving peace lies not with Ukraine, but with Russia.” Trump campaigned on ending the war.