North Korean soldiers have been reported killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, according to US officials. This marks the first confirmed casualties for North Korean troops since it was revealed in October that Pyongyang had deployed around 10,000 soldiers to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence has also reported that at least 30 North Korean troops were either killed or injured during clashes over the weekend, as reported and verified by BBC. 

The involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine has sparked concern across the international community, with Western nations condemning the move. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier highlighted Russia's increasing reliance on North Korean troops, stating that a "significant number" had been deployed in the assault on Kursk, a region occupied by Ukrainian forces since August. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that North Korean soldiers had been engaged in combat in the area for just over a week, although the extent of their involvement in Russia's broader military operations remains unclear.

The North Korean forces, most of whom are reported to have no prior combat experience, have likely spent their initial period in Russia undergoing training and performing support roles. The Pentagon suggests that the soldiers are being used primarily in infantry roles, although their engagement so far appears to be limited to the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (GUR) has specifically pointed to casualties in the villages of Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka. Zelensky also posted footage on Telegram showing North Korean troops taking cover behind trees after an assault on a Ukrainian position.

Following reports of these casualties, the EU, alongside countries including the US, UK, South Korea, and Australia, strongly condemned North Korea’s involvement, warning that it could destabilise both European and Indo-Pacific security. In response, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on several individuals and entities linked to North Korea’s military support to Russia. At the same time, back on the Korean peninsula, South Korean forces are stepping up defences to guards against possible North Korean drone attacks on the South.

As the situation unfolds, the Kremlin has referred inquiries about the deaths to Russia's Ministry of Defence, which has yet to make a public statement. Meanwhile, President Zelensky reiterated that there was "no reason" for North Korean troops to be fighting in this war, calling their involvement a tragic development.