Ukraine has confirmed that their troops have engaged in contact with North Korean forces and will “take part in combat operations.” Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview that the clash is the official start of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine, but for now, the fighting is not systemic. According to RBC-Ukraine, Umerov mentioned that they are recording contacts with North Korean forces and anticipate more clashes in the coming weeks. The front is approximately 1,500 km long, with North Korea sending five battalions, totaling up to 15,000 troops in the Kursk region of Russia. The Russian exercises timeline has been reduced to allow North Korean troops to participate in combat operations.
The head of the counter-disinformation branch of Ukraine’s Security Council, Andrii Kovalenko, revealed that the first North Korean troops have already been shelled in the Kursk region. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that North Korean forces have made their way to Kursk, and fighting is expected to escalate soon. President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking Western support for a pre-emptive strike against North Korean soldiers based inside Russia, with the Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin identifying them as legitimate military targets.
President Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that everyone is anticipating North Korean military attacks. He called on the West to support Ukraine in neutralizing the threat before any harm is done. Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, urged the West to take firm and decisive actions in response to Pyongyang’s troops entering the war against Ukraine. During a press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Sybiha emphasized the need for Europe to recognize the aggression and act promptly.
The situation in Ukraine is becoming more critical as tensions rise with the presence of North Korean forces in the region. The call for Western support and pre-emptive action highlights the urgency of the matter and the need for a swift response to ensure the safety and security of Ukrainian citizens. It is crucial for international allies to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and take necessary steps to address the escalating threat posed by North Korean troops in the region.
