North Korean Troops Deserting Ukraine – Reports indicate that around 18 North Korean soldiers have deserted from the Russian frontline, prompting searches by Russian forces.

The soldiers were stationed in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, approximately four miles from the Ukrainian border, according to Ukraine’s public broadcasting company, Suspilne.

Moreover, intelligence sources cited by the broadcaster reveal that the Russian military is actively seeking the deserters, while commanders are attempting to keep the incident under wraps from their superiors.

This development follows claims that Moscow plans to form a battalion of troops sent by Kim Jong Un to assist in driving Ukrainian forces out of Kursk. Ukrainian outlet LIGA reported that these soldiers would engage in combat missions in the southwestern regions, where fighting continues.

According to LIGA, the North Korean troops were to create a “special Buryat battalion,” named after the indigenous Mongolic ethnic group from Siberia, northern Mongolia, and China.

North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their ties, committing earlier this year to support each other in case of attacks. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, where he and Kim signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership pact.” This agreement includes a clause similar to NATO’s Article 5, stating that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all.

Should either country find itself in a state of war due to armed aggression, the pact stipulates that the other would provide military and other support “with all the means at its disposal,” as reported by North Korean state media.

Also Read: Florida Milton Hurricane