Ukraine confirms first encounter with North Korean troops

Reports have surfaced suggesting that North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have now confirmed an initial encounter with North Korean units on the battlefield.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers recently confronted each other in combat for the first time.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation, added, “North Korean military units came under fire for the first time in Kursk.”

First confirmed clash

Claims of North Korean involvement on Russia’s side in the war against Ukraine have gained attention globally. Now, a critical statement from the Ukrainian government has officially acknowledged this development. Speaking to South Korean media, Defense Minister Umerov confirmed that Ukrainian and North Korean forces had indeed faced off on the battlefield.

According to Umerov, the encounter was a “small-scale skirmish” rather than a fully coordinated battle. Although he did not disclose the exact time or location of the incident, Umerov affirmed when asked if this marked the beginning of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

Kovalenko: “North Korean units came under fire in Kursk”

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, also confirmed North Korea’s participation through a post on the social media platform X. He noted, “North Korean military units came under fire for the first time in Kursk.” Kovalenko’s statement underscored that North Korean troops have now actively joined the conflict on Russia’s side.