Warning: Footage consists of violent and graphic content material.
Troopers of the eighth Regiment of Ukraine's Particular Operations Forces resisted a North Korean assault in Russia’s Kursk Oblast for eight hours earlier than retreating, killing 21 and wounding 40 troopers, the unit stated on Jan. 22.
The assertion comes as Russia ramps up efforts to push out Ukrainian troops entrenched within the western Russian area, deploying its North Korean allies in floor assaults.
In a video shared by the Particular Operations Forces, a big assault group of purportedly North Korean troopers is seen crossing an open area and forest, adopted by shut fight footage with solely dozens of meters between the 2 sides. Ultimately, graphic footage reveals killed troopers claimed to be North Koreans.
"On the ninth hour of the battle, the Particular Operations Forces had solely a 3rd of their ammunition left. They spent the remaining on destroying (North Korean forces)," the Telegram put up learn.
The Ukrainian fighters held off the assault with small arms, grenade launchers, and snipers. Ultimately, the Ukrainian troops retreated in two Humvees, the put up learn.
North Korea deployed round 12,000 troopers in Kursk Oblast, the place Ukraine launched a shock cross-border incursion in August 2024 to carry the battle to Russian territory. They’ve suffered 4,000 casualties, each wounded and killed, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed earlier in January 2025.
In alternate for the troop switch, Russia is paying over $2,000 for every North Korean soldier, although officers stated it’s unclear how a lot is allotted to particular person troopers and the Pyongyang authorities.
The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek