Wars are often chaotic, but the introduction of foreign troops can add another layer of confusion. In the Kursk region of Russia, that confusion appears to have turned deadly.
According to Ukraine’s defense intelligence (GUR) and Hotnews, North Korean soldiers accidentally killed eight Chechen fighters from the Akhmat battalion.
The incident, GUR claims, was caused by a language barrier between the North Korean troops and their Russian allies.
The Chechens, loyal to Ramzan Kadyrov, were reportedly mistaken for enemy forces. The North Koreans fired on their vehicles, leading to the deaths.
Fighting Alongside Russian Forces
This is part of a larger development. Ukraine says that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers to support its military in the war.
These troops are reportedly working alongside Russian marines and airborne units in assault operations in the Kursk region.
However, their deployment has come at a cost. Ukrainian forces carried out a drone attack on December 14, targeting positions held by mixed Russian and North Korean units.
The strike reportedly caused heavy casualties. GUR estimates that around 200 soldiers were killed, including North Koreans.
Ukraine’s intelligence service says approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Russia.
Their presence is tightly controlled, with the FSB monitoring Russian personnel entering areas where the North Koreans are based. Phones and other devices are confiscated to maintain secrecy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the issue, calling it a new and dangerous escalation in the conflict. He warned that these troops could soon be deployed to other parts of the front line.
“Russia’s use of foreign soldiers shows how far they’re willing to go. This requires a global response,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
