Ukrainian news outlets reported that six North Korean soldiers were killed on the Russian frontline in the Donetsk region on Thursday. This unfortunate incident occurred during a missile strike that reportedly resulted in over 20 casualties among military personnel, including the North Korean officers.
As per the Russian Telegram channel, Kremlin Snuffbox, additional reports indicated that three more North Korean officers sustained injuries and were transported to Moscow for medical care. An anonymous military source relayed that the North Korean officers were in training to learn about Russian assault and defense operations when the missile hit their location.
Last year, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate revealed that North Korean military personnel, including engineering teams, were arriving in the Russian-occupied areas near Donetsk. The Center of National Resistance, formed by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, also noted in September 2023 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had encouraged Kim Jong Un to send North Korean citizens for construction work in these territories.
North Korea has established itself as a significant ally for Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Putin’s invasion in February 2022. Although the United States has accused North Korea of supplying artillery to Russia, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied such claims.
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In June 2023, Putin made his first visit to North Korea in two decades, where he and Kim signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership pact.” This agreement includes language similar to NATO’s Article 5, asserting mutual military support if one nation faces an armed attack.
During a June press briefing, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder discussed the prospect of North Korean forces joining Russian efforts in Donetsk, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the situation. Ryder expressed concerns regarding the potential risks for North Korean personnel, suggesting they reconsider being involved in what he labeled an “illegal war” against Ukraine.