Major Setback For Russia? Zelenskyy Reveals Up To A Battalion Of Russian And North Korean Troops Lost In Kursk
Date
1/5/2025 10:17:02 AM
(MENAFN- Live Mint) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russian and North Korean forces suffered substantial losses during intense fighting in the Kursk region, a southern part of Russia near the Ukrainian border. During his nightly video address on January 4, Zelensky shared information from Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, who reported that the recent battles near the village of Makhnovka resulted in the loss of up to a battalion of Russian paratroopers and North Korean infantry troops.
Battle near Makhnovka
Zelenskyy specifically highlighted the significant losses in the village of Makhnovka, located close to the Ukrainian border. He stated, "In battles yesterday and today near a single village, Makhnovka, in Kursk region, the Russian army lost up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops."
A battalion typically comprises several hundred soldiers.
Zelenskyy referred to these losses as“significant,” but did not provide additional details on the outcome of the battles.
Ongoing fighting in Kursk region
Reports from both Ukrainian and Russian sources indicate that heavy fighting continues in the Kursk region. Russia 's Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine had launched a new attack in the area, which Russia has been attempting to defend for several months. Ukraine had made a surprise incursion into this western Russian territory in early August 2024, managing to hold onto some of it, which could be used as leverage in potential peace talks.
North Korean support for Russian forces
According to Ukrainian and Western assessments, North Korean troops have been deployed in support of Russian forces in the Kursk region, with some reports estimating their numbers to be around 11,000. However, Russia has not publicly confirmed or denied the presence of North Korean forces in the area. The involvement of North Korean infantry soldiers marks a new phase of external support for Russia, complicating the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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