The Kremlin has opted not to address growing reports regarding the repositioning of North Korean soldiers who had been supporting Russian forces on the front lines. According to intelligence from Western, South Korean, and Ukrainian sources, the North Korean military reportedly deployed over 10,000 troops to assist in Russia’s operations in the key Kursk region, where Ukraine has been mounting a counter-offensive.
A New York Times report, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials, noted that these North Korean troops have been withdrawn from active combat positions and have not engaged in fights for approximately two weeks. This withdrawal appears to follow a period of significant casualties endured by the North Korean forces.
Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak added to the narrative on Wednesday, confirming that some North Korean units had been removed from the front lines based on insights gathered from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces.
When questioned by reporters about these developments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrained from offering any commentary. He remarked, “There are a lot of different arguments out there, both right and wrong. It’s not worth commenting on every time,” illustrating the Kremlin’s desire to maintain some ambiguity regarding the situation.
In a related note, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released visual evidence purportedly showing captured North Korean soldiers, taken during military operations in the Kursk area. The involvement of North Korean fighters in the conflict has raised alarms in both Kyiv and the West, being perceived as a significant escalation in the ongoing three-year conflict that has already resulted in severe humanitarian and geopolitical ramifications.
