North Korean State TV Airs First Combat Footage of Troops in Ukraine's Kursk Region

North Korean state television (KCTV) has for the first time broadcast extensive combat footage purportedly showing its troops engaged in fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region. This release directly challenges previous denials and skepticism regarding Pyongyang's direct military involvement in the conflict. The development comes as social media discussions, like a recent tweet from Visegrád 24, highlighted the shift, stating, "North Korea releases the first video of its soldiers fighting against the Ukrainian Army."

Intelligence estimates from the U.S., Ukraine, and South Korea suggest that between 11,000 and 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with some already participating in combat operations in areas such as Kursk Oblast. This deployment is understood to be a consequence of a mutual defense pact signed between North Korea and Russia, providing Moscow with additional manpower and offering Pyongyang a crucial trading partner willing to bypass international sanctions.

Reports indicate that North Korean troops have sustained significant casualties, with Ukrainian officials estimating thousands killed or wounded. Ukraine's special operations forces have claimed to have killed North Korean soldiers carrying fake Russian military identification documents, suggesting an attempt by Russia to conceal the presence of foreign fighters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has further alleged that Russian forces are attempting to burn the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to prevent identification.

Despite mounting evidence and the latest video, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially acknowledged the presence of North Korean combat troops in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has released videos purporting to show captured North Korean soldiers, some of whom reportedly stated they believed they were being sent for training rather than direct combat. These captures provide tangible, albeit unconfirmed by Russia or North Korea, proof of their presence.

The release of this state-produced footage marks a significant shift in the information landscape surrounding North Korea's role, moving beyond intelligence reports and debunked social media fakes. While an ongoing information war has seen conflicting claims from both sides, the direct broadcast by KCTV provides a new dimension to the widely reported, yet officially unconfirmed, deployment of North Korean forces to the Ukrainian frontlines.