10,000 North Korean soldiers spotted in Kursk Oblast - Pentagon

At least 10,000 North Korean troops have been spotted in the Kursk Oblast of the russian federation. But now there is no confirmation that they have already participated in hostilities.

The spokesman of the U.S. Department of Defense, Pat Ryder has stated this.

According to him, as a result of the reassessment of new data by the Pentagon, the overall estimate of the presence of North Korean troops in russia may turn out to be somewhat higher.

"We believe that the total number of North Korean forces in Russia may be closer to approximately 11,000-12,000, with at least 10,000 currently in the Kursk Oblast," Ryder noted.

He emphasized that the Pentagon is familiar with media reports that the North Korean military is allegedly ready to participate in hostilities, but the department has not yet confirmed this participation.

At the same time, Ryder emphasized that the forces of the DPRK "receive Russian uniforms and Russian equipment" and are directed to the Kursk Oblast, where they "will ensure a certain potential."

"All indications are that they will provide some type of combat or combat support capability," the spokesman said.

At the same time, he did not say whether the North Korean forces were stationed in russia, as part of their own russian units, or as independent units.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, there are already 11,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk Oblast of the russian federation.

Meanwhile, the media found out what and how much North Korea receives from russia and, in particular, the monthly salary of the North Korean military in russia.

Meanwhile, the Central Security Service reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine inflicted the first casualties on servicemen of the North Korean army sent to participate in the war on the side of the aggressor country russia.