North Korean soldiers sent to Ukraine to support Russia’s invasion have been killed in combat, according to reports.
The troops were promised to Vladimir Putin by the country’s president Kim Jong-un during a state visit to Pyongyang.
SIX AND COUNTING…
Now the Ukrainian media has reported the deaths of six North Korean officers in a missile strike on Russian-occupied Donetsk earlier this month.
The incident was also cited by South Korea’s defence minister Kim Yong-hyun who said it was ‘highly likely’ to be true. If so, it would be the first confirmation of Kim’s troops being stationed at or near the front line.
ABOUT SOLDIER RECRUITMENTS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES
South Korea is following the deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine very closely.
It is thought the first batch to deploy there were engineering specialists, who were expected to be used to strengthen defences behind Russian lines.
Both Ukraine and Russia have foreign fighters in their ranks. A number of UK volunteers have been killed fighting for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia recruits soldiers from pro-Moscow African states and international mercenaries.
IS NORTH KOREA SUPPLYING RUSSIA WITH MILITARY EQUIPMENT?
North Korea has also emerged as a major supplier of arms and other military equipment to Russia.
In return, Russian scientists are thought to be providing expertise on the production of inter-continental ballistic missiles.
