Ukrainian Rangers Eliminate North Korean Unit in Russia’s Kursk Region
Eight Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed 25 North Korean troops during a cross-border raid in Russia’s Kursk region, according to a military statement released Thursday.
“Soldiers of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SSO) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted special operations against regular North Korean troops in the Kursk region of Russia. During a rapid engagement, SOF operators eliminated 25 North Koreans,” the SSO said in a Telegram post.
The SSO said the mission took place last month. The exact time and location of the operation were not disclosed.
Body camera and drone footage released by SSO shows members of the 6th Ranger Regiment entering Russian trenches and engaging the North Korean soldiers at close range. The mission was supported by reconnaissance drones and a Humvee armored vehicle.
The SSO said the rangers quickly gained favorable firing positions and opened fire on the North Korean platoon, which was three times their size. “Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy and enemy artillery fire, the Ukrainian soldiers proved the superiority of quality over quantity,” the SSO added.
According to the SSO, the Ukrainian troops withdrew after completing their mission. No casualties were reported among the assault team beyond the one wounded soldier seen receiving aid.
In October 2024, North Korea deployed an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia’s western Kursk region to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, these troops withdrew in January 2025 after suffering heavy losses, attributed to a lack of modern combat experience and unfamiliarity with the battlefield conditions in Ukraine.
Despite these setbacks, North Korea has reportedly continued to bolster its support for Russia.
Earlier this year, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated that new contingents of North Korean soldiers were dispatched to Kursk in early February.
While the exact number remains unconfirmed, South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo, citing unnamed sources, reported that between 1,000 and 3,000 additional troops were sent to Kursk between January and February 2025.
