Zelenskyj has "preliminary evidence" that the Russians have begun using soldiers from North Korea – "a notable number of them" to attack Ukrainian positions in the Russian border region.
He also claims to have heard that the North Koreans "can be used in other parts of the frontline" and that the North Korean "losses are already noticeable". In November, Zelenskyj also said that the North Korean soldiers had suffered losses when they were in the western Kursk region.
At the same time, Ukraine's control over areas in Kursk has decreased since Ukraine launched a ground offensive in August.
Ukraine and its allies in the West view the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia as a greater escalation after two years of Russia's war of aggression. North Korea has, according to American estimates, sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia.
North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
