President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky confirmed the first casualties among North Korean soldiers participating in military operations on the Russian side in the Kursk region.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to Kyodo News.
According to the president , about 12,000 North Korean troops are ready to be involved in combat operations. However, the exact number of casualties remains unknown – Ukraine is waiting for additional evidence to reveal the real scale of North Korean involvement.
“Undoubtedly, Vladimir Putin is using these soldiers as cannon fodder,” Zelensky said, stressing that the situation on the front lines could worsen if Russia continues to send Ukraine receives new reinforcements from the DPRK.
Amid growing tensions, US President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine's use of long-range missiles against Russian targets. Since this decision, both sides in the conflict have stepped up air attacks, and Russia has used medium-range missiles for the first time.
Moreover, Zelensky had previously warned at the summit of the European Political Community about the first casualties among North Korean troops, which is causing growing concern in the international community.
What is especially alarming is that North Korea had previously handed over its missile launchers to Russia.