North Korean Troops Engage in Fatal “Friendly Fire” Incident with Russian Forces in Kursk Oblast

The Krakow Post

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast killed eight members of a Russian unit in a “friendly fire” incident, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Dec. 14.

Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a “significant number” of North Korean troops had joined Russia’s assault operations in the Kursk region.

The alleged incident occurred when North Korean troops opened fire on members of the Chechen Akhmat unit, a pro-Russian group, during combat operations. According to HUR’s statement on its Telegram channel, the attack resulted in the deaths of eight Russian soldiers.

The intelligence agency attributed the incident to a severe language barrier between Russian and North Korean forces, which it described as a persistent challenge on the battlefield.

As of Dec. 14, HUR estimates that approximately 200 servicemembers from both Russian and North Korean units have been killed. President Zelensky previously confirmed that North Korean troops had suffered “noticeable losses” but refrained from providing specific numbers.

In fall 2024, Ukrainian and Western officials warned of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers massed in Kursk Oblast, reportedly to bolster Russia’s offensive efforts in the region.

The Russian military has reportedly implemented special protocols in areas where North Korean personnel are stationed. These measures include inspections of Russian soldiers entering these zones and the confiscation of their phones and electronic devices.

The first direct engagements between North Korean and Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast were reported in early November. While North Korean personnel have not been deployed to other sections of the front line, Zelensky cautioned that this deployment strategy could shift in the future.