Over 3,000 North Korean Troops Killed in Kursk Region, Says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that losses among North Korean troops deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk region have exceeded 3,000, including both killed and injured. The announcement followed a meeting of Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief’s Staff on December 23.

During the meeting, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi briefed attendees on the situation along the frontlines, including the ongoing operations in the Kursk region. The report highlighted the risk of further North Korean military support to Russia, including additional personnel and equipment.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will respond decisively to any such developments.

“The transfer of modern warfare experience and military technologies from Russia to North Korea represents a global threat,” Zelenskyy said. He also warned that the increasing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could further destabilize the Korean Peninsula and surrounding regions.

The President stressed that the international community must recognize the risks associated with these developments, noting that the cost of restoring stability often exceeds the cost of preventive measures.

Earlier, Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s readiness to assist Syria in stabilizing and rebuilding after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of regional stability, the withdrawal of Russian forces, and Ukraine’s commitment to supporting humanitarian aid and food security efforts in collaboration with international partners.