Casualties in Kyiv Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia
On November 27, 2024, Kyiv faced another wave of violence as a Russian drone strike injured three individuals and damaged a non-residential building in the Dniprovskoye district. This attack is part of a larger pattern of increased drone assaults by Russia, which has intensified its military actions against Ukraine. The Ukrainian capital has been a focal point of these assaults, which have also included significant strikes on other regions, such as Ternopil, where power outages and property damage were reported.
In response to the escalating conflict, a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustam Umarov is currently in South Korea to negotiate potential arms supplies. This visit comes amid South Korea's reevaluation of its policy on military support, particularly in light of North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war. South Korean President Yun has indicated that the country does not rule out sending weapons to Ukraine, especially given the recent North Korean troop deployments to Russia.
North Korean Troops in Ukraine: Confirmed Casualties and Military Integration
Recent reports have confirmed that North Korean soldiers are actively participating in the Ukraine war on the side of Russia, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 troops are stationed in the Kursk region. South Korea's national intelligence agency has indicated that there are concrete signs of casualties among these North Korean forces, although official numbers remain unverified. The Pentagon has also noted that these troops are likely to engage in combat soon, integrating into Russian military formations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged deadly encounters with North Korean soldiers, although specific casualty figures have not been disclosed. Reports from various sources suggest that up to 500 North Korean soldiers may have been killed in recent Ukrainian missile strikes, although these figures are still under investigation. The involvement of North Korean troops adds a complex layer to the ongoing conflict, as both Ukraine and its allies continue to monitor the situation closely.
