Zelensky: DPRK troops in Kursk region have already suffered losses

Today, the world’s reaction to the involvement of North Korean military in Russia’s war against Ukraine is insufficient, the president noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that North Korean troops have already suffered losses in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. As reported by a UNIAN correspondent, the head of state said this at a press conference following his participation in the European Political Community summit in Budapest.

“11 thousand soldiers of the North Korean army are currently present on the territory of the Russian Federation in the border area with Ukraine. In the northern part of our state. Specifically, in the Kursk region. 11 thousand – some of these troops have already participated in military operations against the Ukrainian military. Yes, there are already losses. This is a fact,” Zelensky emphasized.

He added that there are countries that have loudly responded to the DPRK’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. There are countries that have not responded, and there are also countries that have responded quietly. Ukraine is currently working with the third category of states.

Zelensky noted that there are two indicators that can provide an understanding of whether the world’s response is sufficient.

“First, this is a new wave of escalation, and certainly, on the part of the Russian side, the involvement of the army or another state in the war against Ukraine. I believe that if we are consistent… And many of the leaders said that if there is a new wave of escalation, we will be able to open up the possibility of long-range use to Ukraine. I believe that this is exactly the moment when this needs to be done,” Zelensky emphasized, adding that this issue needs to be worked on.

It is noteworthy that even before the arrival of North Korean soldiers in Kursk, Ukraine warned its international partners that the number of troops from North Korea on the Russian side would increase.

“And the second story… Now we are warning and we believe that the next step, if we do not use appropriate weapons and political pressure on the Russian Federation – the next step could be a much greater use of the North Korean contingent. Because Putin always looks at what the world’s reaction is. I believe that today it is insufficient,” Zelensky said.

(C)UNIAN 2024