THE MOSCOW TIMES Published December 17, 2024
Russia has been using North Korean troops to spearhead an “intense” counteroffensive in the southwestern Kursk region as it tries to drive Ukrainian forces back across the border, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Tuesday.
“For three days in a row, the enemy has been conducting intense offensive operations in the Kursk region, actively using North Korean army units,” Syrsky said in an address to local officials. Ukrainian troops launched an incursion into the border region in early August, seizing large swaths of territory.
“North Korean mercenaries have already suffered heavy losses. The Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding the line of defense, destroying enemy personnel and equipment,” Syrsky said, without providing further details.
Ukrainian military intelligence, the Pentagon and authorities in South Korea have all said that Pyongyang deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia to fight alongside Moscow’s armed forces. Western officials believe that deployment was made in exchange for shipments of air defense systems to North Korea.
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SOURCE: www.themoscowtimes.com
RELATED: Ukraine says Russia used North Korean troops for ‘intensive offensive’ in Kursk region
In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry press service on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, Russian serviceman aims a D-30 howitzer towards Ukrainian positions in Kursk region. © Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
FRANCE24 | Published December 17, 2024
Russia has used North Korean troops at the heart of an “intensive offensive” in its western Kursk region seeking to push out Ukrainian forces, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Tuesday.
Kyiv has been occupying part of the border region since August when it launched a shock cross-border incursion to seize Russian territory.
“For three days in a row, the enemy has been conducting intensive offensive operations in the Kursk region, actively using North Korean army units,” Syrsky said in an address to local officials.
Intelligence agencies in Ukraine, the United States and South Korea have all said Pyongyang has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia to fight alongside its army.
“North Korean mercenaries have already suffered heavy losses. The Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding the defence, destroying enemy personnel and equipment,” Syrsky said, without providing further details.
Ukraine said Monday its forces had killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean troops in Kursk. At least 10,000 North Korean forces have been deployed to help the Russian army, according to western estimates.
The reports of a fresh Russian counter-offensive in Kursk come with Moscow’s forces advancing in eastern Ukraine.
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SOURCE: www.france24.com
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