Ukraine says Russia used North Korean troops for ‘intensive offensive’ in Kursk region

NEWS WIRES

17 December 2024 at 9:59 am·1-min read

In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry press service on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, Russian serviceman aims a D-30 howitzer towards Ukrainian positions in Kursk region.

Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region by using North Korean troops, Ukraine said Tuesday. Russia also increased pressure on Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, in the latest escalation in fighting before US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House next month.

Russia has used North Korean troops at the heart of an “intensive offensive” in its western Kursk region seeking to push out Ukrainian forces, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Tuesday.

Kyiv has been occupying part of the border region since August when it launched a shock cross-border incursion to seize Russian territory.

“For three days in a row, the enemy has been conducting intensive offensive operations in the Kursk region, actively using North Korean army units,” Syrsky said in an address to local officials.

Intelligence agencies in Ukraine, the United States and South Korea have all said Pyongyang has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia to fight alongside its army.

“North Korean mercenaries have already suffered heavy losses. The Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding the defence, destroying enemy personnel and equipment,” Syrsky said, without providing further details.

The reports of a fresh Russian counter-offensive in Kursk come with Moscow’s forces advancing in eastern Ukraine.

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