At least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed in Russia's Kursk region.

At least 30 North Korean soldiers assigned to military operations by Russia have been killed or injured in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has gained territory.

The development occurred following major attacks on Saturday in the Kursk Oblast, located near the Russian border. The Madiar channel on Telegram emphasized that the operation was a joint effort of the 414th Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment, Mahura Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, 1st Tank Brigade, and 17th Tank Brigade.

Photos released by the Ukrainian Armed Forces show bodies lined up in the snow.

Ukrainian military intelligence stated, "On December 14 and 15, military units from North Korea (DKFC) suffered significant losses near the villages of Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka in Russia's Kursk region - at least 30 soldiers were killed and injured." Western officials noted that the troops were reinforced with "fresh personnel" from North Korea, which is estimated to have sent at least 10,000 soldiers to assist Moscow.

Russia and North Korea have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that evidence had emerged indicating that Russia had begun using North Korean soldiers in attacks against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast.