The Financial News

Latest / Hot Issue

Politics

World

Lifestyle

The Financial News

Latest / Hot Issue

Politics

World

Lifestyle

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Zelenskyy Claims Russia Is Using North Korean Soldiers as ‘Cannon Fodder’

On October 18, footage posted on the X account of Russian media outlet Sirena showed troops believed to be North Korean soldiers arriving at a Russian training facility. / News1
On October 18, footage posted on the X account of Russian media outlet Sirena showed troops believed to be North Korean soldiers arriving at a Russian training facility. / News1

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using North Korean troops as “cannon fodder” in its ongoing conflict. He emphasized that concrete evidence is required to assess North Korean casualties accurately.

During an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News at the presidential palace in Kyiv on December 1, Zelenskyy addressed North Korean forces supporting Russia. He reported that these troops have been deployed to western Russia, where some have already been killed in action. Zelenskyy asserted they will ultimately serve as cannon fodder on the front lines.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced in October that North Korea had dispatched troops to support Russia, with these forces undergoing training in eastern Russia. The South Korean Ministry of Defense further disclosed on November 5 that over 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to Russia, with a significant number moving to frontline positions, including the Kursk region. In a report to the National Assembly on November 19, the NIS estimated the number of deployed North Korean troops to be between 10,900 and 12,000.

In the interview on December 1, Zelenskyy did not specifically mention casualties among North Korean troops. He stated that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Kursk and stressed the need for evidence to report casualties accurately. Zelenskyy also said that more North Korean troops would be deployed to the front lines, emphasizing that Putin is clearly using them as expendable forces.

Citing the U.S. military publication Global Defense Corporation, Ukrainian media outlets reported on November 23 that 500 North Korean troops stationed in Kursk had been killed in a Ukrainian missile strike. On November 20, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched 12 British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles at a military command headquarters in Marino, Kursk, located about 32 kilometers from the front lines.

Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary in the U.S. Department of Defense, stated during a briefing held on November 25 that they could not verify these reports. Singh added that the U.S. could not independently confirm casualties among North Korean soldiers.

On November 27, an anonymous U.S. Defense Department official told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that North Korean casualties had occurred in Russia’s Kursk region, caused by Ukrainian airstrikes. The official clarified that the North Korean troops deployed to Kursk are not serving as frontline infantry but rather in support roles.

Hot this week

Dow Dips, Nasdaq Gains as Wall Street Awaits Fed’s Next Move

The New York stock market closed mixed, with Nvidia hitting a record high while Tesla faced declining sales in Europe.

Nvidia Stock Pops Past $150, Beating Microsoft in Market Value

Nvidia's stock rose to 152.36 USD amid concerns over export restrictions to China, surpassing Microsoft’s market cap.

Nvidia Soars Despite CEO Share Sale, Tesla Tanks on Robotaxi Trouble

The New York stock market rises as Dow surpasses 43,000, Nvidia gains despite CEO stock sale, while Tesla and defense stocks decline.

Gold Prices Plunge as Iran and Israel Call for Ceasefire

Gold prices fell as geopolitical tensions eased between Israel and Iran, with analysts predicting potential future increases.

Oil Drops 4% on Israel-Iran Peace Talks and Supply Optimism

International oil prices dropped over 4% due to eased supply concerns and a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran.

Topics

Dow Dips, Nasdaq Gains as Wall Street Awaits Fed’s Next Move

The New York stock market closed mixed, with Nvidia hitting a record high while Tesla faced declining sales in Europe.

Nvidia Stock Pops Past $150, Beating Microsoft in Market Value

Nvidia's stock rose to 152.36 USD amid concerns over export restrictions to China, surpassing Microsoft’s market cap.

Nvidia Soars Despite CEO Share Sale, Tesla Tanks on Robotaxi Trouble

The New York stock market rises as Dow surpasses 43,000, Nvidia gains despite CEO stock sale, while Tesla and defense stocks decline.

Gold Prices Plunge as Iran and Israel Call for Ceasefire

Gold prices fell as geopolitical tensions eased between Israel and Iran, with analysts predicting potential future increases.

Oil Drops 4% on Israel-Iran Peace Talks and Supply Optimism

International oil prices dropped over 4% due to eased supply concerns and a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran.

TSMC Delays Kumamoto Factory Amid Traffic Concerns and Market Uncertainty

TSMC delays its second factory in Kumamoto, citing traffic issues, but market demand uncertainties may be the real reason behind it.

From Tensions to Tumbles: Oil Prices Sink While Iran Avoids Escalation

Oil prices dropped over 7% following Iran's airstrikes on U.S. bases, signaling a reluctance to escalate conflict despite tensions.

Volatility Index Falls Below 20 as U.S.–Iran Show Signs of De-Escalation

U.S. stock markets rose as tensions eased between the U.S. and Iran, while Tesla shares surged following its robotaxi launch.

Related Articles