Ukraine, North Korean troops clash for first time; Zelenskyy warns of escalation

Zelenskyy did not go into detail about the engagement but warned of what he says is Russia's intention to escalate the war that has raged for nearly 1,000 days. 

"Terror, unfortunately, can spread like a virus when it does not meet sufficient counteraction. Now our counteraction must be sufficient, strong enough. The first battles with North Korean soldiers have opened a new chapter of instability in the world," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address as he thanked Ukraine's allies around the world.

"Together with the world, we must do everything so that this Russian step to expand the war with real escalation fails. Both for Russia and North Korea."

South Korea's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that more than 10,000 North Korean troops arrived in Russia, with a "significant number" in the frontline areas, including the Kursk region where Ukrainian forces staged an incursion in August.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told South Korean state television there had been a "small engagement" with the North Korean troops, per Reuters. The report, with excerpts from the interview, quoted Umerov as saying the engagement was small and not yet systematic in terms of mobilizing soldiers.

Umerov reportedly said he expects five North Korean units, each consisting of about 3,000 soldiers, zto be deployed to the Kursk area. North Korean soldiers are mixed with Russian troops and are misidentified on their uniforms, Umerov was quoted as saying, according to the Associated Press.

Zelenskyy has been sounding the alarm that the recent deployment of North Korean troops in Russia not only spells trouble for Ukraine but also draws into question the stability and security of nations in Asia that are allied with the West.

"Their actions aren't coincidental. They want Russia's support in return," he added in comments also posted to his social media account on X.

Zelenskyy has called on South Korea to take a bigger role in the conflict and has said that South Korea has already pledged to send a team of specialists to Ukraine, where they will collaborate on defensive capabilities, including air defense, as North Korea also provides Russian with artillery and missiles.

"Air defenses can't counter artillery strikes. Our own towns were obliterated by artillery. I hope South Korea never faces this, but preparation is critical," Zelenskyy added.

Zelenskyy also called into question China's "silence" with regard to the North's recent involvement in the war.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.