**North Korean Troops Killed or Wounded in Russia’s Kursk Oblast**
At least thirty North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during assault operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) claimed on December 16. The attacks took place near the villages of Pliekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka.
**Reinforcements Sent to North Korea**
According to HUR, North Korean losses have to be replenished by fresh soldiers from North Korea’s 94th Separate Brigade. Three soldiers were also reported missing. However, The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify HUR’s claims.
**Russia’s Escalation in Ukraine**
Ukrainian and Western officials warned earlier that over 10,000 North Korean troops had amassed in Kursk Oblast to aid Russia’s attempt to oust Ukrainian forces in the region. This represents an unprecedented escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
**Clashes Between North Korean and Ukrainian Troops**
The first limited clashes between North Korean and Ukrainian troops were reported in early November, with North Korean soldiers recently joining ground assault operations. North Korean troops also allegedly opened fire and killed eight Russian soldiers on December 14 in a “friendly-fire” incident.
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