Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting for Russia in the Kursk region since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion began in August.

Ukrainian special forces reported inflicting over 100 casualties on North Korean troops in recent days and claimed Russia is issuing fake identity documents to conceal their presence.

U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials estimate up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed in Russia, supporting Moscow’s war effort alongside supplies of ammunition, artillery, and ballistic missiles, ABC News has reported.

South Korea warns Pyongyang may send more troops, equipment, and potentially suicide drones to aid Russia further.

Written by B.C. Begley