South Korea estimates number of North Korean tros deployed close to Ukraine’s border

That’s according to South Korean Defense Ministry representative Jeon Ha-kyou, Ukrinform reports citing Reuters.

The remarks came hours after the Pentagon said there were at least 10,000 North Korean tros in Kursk, near the border with Ukraine, stping short of confirming reports that they were taking part in hostilities.

"We understand that more than 10,000 North Korean tros are currently in Russia, and a significant number of them have moved to the frontline areas including Kursk," the spokesperson td a briefing, citing intelligence authorities.

Read also: U.S. at UNSC: Russia plans to use North Korean tros in frontline missions

However, when asked whether the North Koreans had participated in hostilities, the South Korean official said he had no such information. He also failed to confirm South Korean media reports, citing an unnamed government official, that about 40 North Korean sdiers had already been killed in action.

Ukrainian intelligence also reported that about 12,000 North Korean military personnel, in particular, 500 officers and three generals, were already in Russia where they were undergoing training at five military bases.

Read also: Zelensky: 11,000 North Korean tros already in Kursk region

As Ukrinform reported earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the reports on the deployment of North Korean tros in Russia for further participation in the war against Ukraine.

On Monday, first North Korean tros came under fire in Kursk region as per Ukraine’s reports.