Source: Pentagon representative General Patrick Ryder during a press briefing, quoted by Ukrinform
Ryder's direct quote: "So far, we have not seen North Korea engaged in offensive combat operations, although we expect that at some point this could become very likely."
Advertisement:
Details: The Pentagon representative noted that in many instances, North Korean military personnel have been integrated into Russian units.
Ryder's direct quote: "...and we are aware of reports regarding the deaths of North Korean soldiers due to Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets."
Details: Ryder also mentioned that there is currently no specific information regarding the number of North Korean military casualties.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Background:
- On November 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that there have already been losses among North Korean troops fighting on the side of Russia in Kursk.
- In the United States, it was confirmed that North Korean forces have been involved in combat operations in the Kursk region.
- Furthermore, according to The New York Times, a grouping of 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops is preparing to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in the Kursk area.
- The United States has information that North Korea is preparing additional supplies of ballistic missiles, as well as long-range howitzers and multiple rocket launchers to Russia.
- Zelensky forecasts that Russia will deploy many North Korean soldiers to the front lines against Ukraine, who will almost certainly be used as "cannon fodder."