Russia is mobilizing a force of 50,000 troops, including potentially North Korean soldiers, in an attempt to push out Ukrainian forces from its western Kursk region, aiming to reclaim territory lost in the summer, Reuters reports.
Ukraine’s top commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian forces are trying to dislodge Ukrainian troops and advance deeper into Ukrainian-controlled territory. This follows Ukraine’s successful incursion into Kursk in August and Russia aims to reclaim the lost territory, while its offensive in eastern Ukraine continues. Syrskyi stated that the Kursk operation has helped divert Russian forces, preventing them from mounting more intense attacks on Ukraine’s eastern front.
Russia has not confirmed the presence of North Korean troops, but a strategic partnership treaty signed between Moscow and Pyongyang includes a mutual defense clause.
