Russian military bloggers claim North Korean troops have captured Russian village in Kursk region
Several Russian military correspondents claim that North Korean soldiers captured the village of Plekhovo in Russia's Kursk region. Vladimir Romanov asserts that the village was captured"exclusively by North Korean special forces." He further details, "In just two hours. They swept through like a hurricane," claiming the Ukrainian forces suffered over 300 fatalities in the skirmish.
On December 6, it reportedly took just around 2.5 hours for the North Korean Special Operations Forces to advance, crossing 2 km through a minefield and storming into the village, according to journalist Yury Kotenok. He notes the swift operation resulted in casualties removed by North Koreans.
Telegram channel "Two Majors" claims, "Call sign Kim (North Korean soldiers) were mobilized, stormed into Plekhovo from three sides, marking the last day for Ukrainian control before Plekhovo fell." However, the authenticity of soldiers’ nationality is disputed as another Telegram channel, "Operation Z: Military Correspondents of the Russian Spring," posted an alleged video from Plekhovo, now reportedly secured by Russian troops.
No official confirmation from Russian authorities corroborates these reports either. Additionally, Kyiv has kept quiet on the matter. On Tuesday, December 10, Ukrainian project DeepState noted the Russian advance near Plekhovo. German newspaper Bild’s OSINT analyst Julian Röpke confirms the capture of Plekhovo but makes no mention of North Korean involvement.
Previously, on November 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported clashes in the Kursk region involving North Korean forces. The U.S. Department of State's Vedant Patel later echoed these claims.
Just days later, on November 11, North Korea ratified a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, agreeing on military support if either country undergoes hostile military affront.
Western reactions have been swift and critical regarding North Korea's purported involvement alongside Russia. As reported by The New York Times, President Joe Biden’s directive for ATACMS missile strikes on Russian territory is allegedly tied to this development. NATO accused Russia of endorsing North Korea's nuclear ambitions in return for military support. Meanwhile, the European Parliament has condemned Moscow's overtures to Pyongyang for additional troops.