Zelensky: Russia is hiding the number of North Koreans killed

Russia is trying to hide the real losses among the North Korean forces fighting against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today in his regular evening video address, quoted by Ukrinform and BTA.

He commented on a report by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky in connection with the sending of North Korean soldiers to Russia, who are participating in military operations against Ukraine.

"Commander-in-Chief Syrsky presented a report on the situation at the front, paying attention to the Donetsk region and its individual directions. In addition, he also provided up-to-date information on the situation in the Kursk region. The Commander-in-Chief reported on the participation of North Korean soldiers in the fighting together with the Russian army. There are also many details about the elimination of these forces. Preliminary data indicate that Russia is trying to cover up the losses among the North Koreans. The Ukrainian defense forces and intelligence are working to determine the full extent of the current losses of the Russian units, which include the North Koreans. Unfortunately, we are forced to defend ourselves from them as well, although there is no reason for a North Korean to die in this war. The only reason is Putin's madness, which has engulfed Russia and is fueling this war," Zelensky said, stressing that the Ukrainian armed forces will continue to defend their positions.

The number of Russian and North Korean servicemen killed in the Kursk region by December 14, 2024 is about 200, Ukrinform reports.

This claim has not been independently verified.

In his evening video address, the Ukrainian head of state also said that next year will be the time to establish lasting peace in the country. In this regard, Ukrainian foreign policy will be more intense, and Kiev will strengthen its diplomatic team, Zelensky specified.

"We are gradually finalizing the appointments and replacements of new ambassadors in the Ukrainian diplomatic corps. We are preparing to strengthen our team - the team of Ukraine. Next year, our foreign policy efforts will be much more intense than this year and must be stable. Next year must become a time for establishing peace - lasting peace. I am grateful to all our partners who are helping us. Strong and coordinated efforts are of key importance," Zelensky emphasized.

He thanked his European partners for the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, and especially for the sanctions targeting the "shadow fleet" of tankers that Russia uses to finance its aggression against Ukraine.