North Korean troops stir global tensions in Kursk conflict

According to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, North Korean soldiers are expected to join the fighting in the Kursk region in western Russia on Sunday or Monday, as reported via the Telegram messenger, citing intelligence sources.

"This is a clear step by Russia towards escalation, which has actual significance, unlike the disinformation that has been circulating in recent days, such as at the BRICS summit in Kazan. The world clearly sees what Russia truly desires—the continuation of the war. Therefore, we need a principled and decisive reaction from global leaders. North Korea's direct involvement in military actions should not be met with indifference and confusing comments, but with substantial pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to adhere to the United Nations Charter, along with repercussions for this escalation", wrote Zelensky.

On Thursday, Ukrainian intelligence reported that the first soldiers from North Korea have already been deployed to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are active.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine announced it has launched an investigation to determine whether North Korea's support for Russia in the war constitutes an act of aggression.

President Zelensky earlier warned that deploying North Korean soldiers to the front would mark "the first step on the road to world war." NATO has cautioned that if North Korean soldiers join Russian forces in Ukraine, it could signify an escalation of the conflict.

Ukrainian forces began a military operation in the Kursk region on August 6th. By the end of August, the Ukrainian army reported controlling 480 square miles of territory in this region. However, since September, Ukrainian forces have started losing ground due to the Russian army's counteroffensive. According to experts, Ukraine now controls only about 300 square miles of this region.

Source: PAP/WP