South Korean defense minister says ‘highly likely’ North Korean soldiers were killed in recent attack by Ukrainian forces.
North Korean soldiers appear to be fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, according to Seoul’s defense minister.
Kim Yong-hyun said Tuesday it was “highly likely” six North Korean officers were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike near Donetsk on 3 October, according to reporting by Ukrainian media last week.
This claim comes at a time when the relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow is going stronger. Pyongyang, meanwhile, has rejected claims it transferred arms to the Russian army for them to attack Ukraine.
“We estimate that casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine are highly possible considering the various circumstances,” Kim said, adding that Seoul expects Pyongyang to send more troops to support Russia’s war effort.
