Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that North Korean soldiers are "fleeing" the frontline in Russia's border region of Kursk, where Kyiv launched an incursion just six months ago.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that the Russian forces are suffering large losses in the region and that the North Korean troops are abandoning their posts. He made these remarks following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv. Zelenskyy described the incursion into the Kursk region, which began last August, as a significant operation that could play a crucial role as the conflict progresses towards a diplomatic phase.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces in Kursk are maintaining stability and have targeted significant locations using long-range weapons. He expressed confidence in retaining control over the territory and noted that this has effectively tied down 60,000 Russian soldiers in the area. He also mentioned the stabilization effect this incursion has had on the neighboring Kharkiv region.
The Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region started on the night of August 5-6, near the town of Sudzha, close to the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the incursion as a 'large-scale provocation' and a 'terrorist attack.' Zelenskyy later stated that the operation aimed to create a buffer zone to protect Ukraine from cross-border attacks.
Reports from Ukrainian and Western sources suggest that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are present in the Kursk region. The military ties between Russia and North Korea have strengthened recently, though there has been no official confirmation of North Korean forces fighting for Moscow. A report by Seoul-based Yonhap News agency, citing South Korea's National Intelligence Service, indicated that North Korean troops have been absent from the frontline in Kursk since mid-January. Russian and North Korean officials have not responded to Zelenskyy's comments.
During his talks with Lammy, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the UK's extensive support in defense, finance, humanitarian aid, and politics. He specifically acknowledged the '100-Year Partnership' agreement signed in January and the UK's £2 billion financial aid for Ukraine's defense production. The two leaders also discussed imposing further sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its oil and defense sectors, and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit.
Lammy reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine and urged other partners to do the same. His visit to Kyiv follows the signing of the '100-Year Partnership' agreement during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to the Ukrainian capital in January.