Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Forces Engaged in Firefight with North Korean Troops
Geneva,November 6, 2024 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyconfirmed in a video address on November 5th that Ukrainian forces have engaged in combat with North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia, calling for international support for Ukraine.
Zelensky’s statement marked the first public acknowledgment of a direct confrontation between Ukrainian and North Korean troops, a development he described as ushering in a new era ofglobal instability. He expressed gratitude to the nations and individuals who have pledged practical support for Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian government, the engagement was relatively small-scale. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in an interview with SouthKorea’s KBS television, stated that the North Korean involvement was limited in terms of both troop numbers and scale of operations. However, he cautioned that a significant increase in North Korean troop deployment could be expected in the coming weeks as their trainingconcludes. Umerov predicted that the number of North Korean troops participating in the conflict could eventually reach 15,000.
The confirmation of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict. It raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the implications for regional and global security.
Sources:
- Yonhap News Agency
- Ukrainian Presidential Office
- KBS Television
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