Umerov confirms the first battles between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast

The first clashes between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers have already taken place in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed on November 5 in an interview with South Korean TV channel KBS.

North Korea has deployed 11,000 troops in the Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a day earlier, citing the Ukrainian intelligence report.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the anti-disinformation department at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, also claimed on November 4 that the first North Korean soldiers stationed in the area were under fire.

“We are seeing clashes with North Korean forces, but we believe there will be more fighting in the coming weeks, and we will continue to analyze and revise accordingly.” Umerov said.

According to Umerov, the clashes were small-scale.

The minister added that the North Korean soldiers were “disguised as Buryats” (an Asian population within Russia’s borders) and mixed with Russian soldiers, so all identities must be checked to confirm the exact number of losses and prisoners.

Kiev expects that five units of 3,000 men each will be deployed along the 1,500 kilometer long front line. This will bring the total number of North Koreans involved in the war to 15,000.

Russia’s border region has seen heavy fighting since Ukraine launched a treaty cross-border offensive early August. Moscow has deployed North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast to strengthen lines there, while its most experienced units are located continue to advance in eastern Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if Ukraine had permission to use Western long-range weapons on Russian territory, it could preemptively attack “any camp” in Russia where North Korean troops are gathering.

According to ZelenskyRussia has confirmed to the West the involvement of Pyongyang’s forces in the war.