Ukrainian Strike in Kursk Oblast Affects Russian and North Korean Forces
A Ukrainian strike in Kursk Oblast eliminated numerous Russian and North Korean officers, according to President Zelensky. The assault targeted a command post in Rylsk on January 31, involving a complex missile attack. Zelensky claimed that Russian deployments included untrained North Korean forces suffering heavy losses, which complicates future military operations in the region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a recent Ukrainian assault on a Russian command post in Kursk Oblast resulted in the fatalities of numerous Russian and North Korean officers. This operation, carried out by Ukraine’s Missile and Artillery Forces on January 31, targeted the command center of Russia’s Kursk group in Rylsk. Zelensky stated, “There was a strong operation by our military — they hit their central command post in the Kursk direction.”
Further elaborating, Zelensky explained that the strike was a legitimate military target, involving a missile attack augmented by various weaponry. He noted that this action had significant effects, claiming, “They lost the combat capability of this first package of North Koreans.” The Ukrainian president suggested that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops were currently deployed in Kursk Oblast, with over 4,000 reported losses.
The Kyiv Independent could not independently validate Zelensky’s assertions regarding the casualties. Nevertheless, he characterized the North Korean troops as lacking direction and fighting in unfamiliar territory. Following a Ukrainian cross-border operation in August 2024, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,300 square kilometers of Russian land, the conflict has since evolved, with Ukraine regaining some territory.
Diminishing numbers of North Korean troops have been noted in the areas of active conflict, with Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reporting their absence for about three weeks. This comes amid indications that North Korean soldiers had been withdrawn from frontline positions due to heavy losses sustained in fighting.
The conflict in Ukraine has seen the involvement of North Korean forces supporting Russian military operations against Ukraine. Heightened tensions arose following Ukraine’s aggressive operations, including a significant incursion into Russian territory in 2024. President Zelensky’s comments reflect ongoing developments in the war, particularly the shifting dynamics of troop deployments and the impacts of military engagements on both sides.
The recent Ukrainian strike in Kursk Oblast marks a significant escalation in the conflict, targeting high-ranking officers from both Russia and North Korea. President Zelensky’s claims illustrate the precarious situation for North Korean troops involved, emphasizing the potential for drastic shifts in military capability. As the fighting continues, these developments could influence future peace negotiations between the involved parties.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
