Loss of North Korean Soldiers
In his address, Zelenskiy said that Russian forces lost up to a battalion of soldiers. These losses were partly due to North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroopers fighting in the region. He emphasized the significance of the losses but did not specify exact details. According to military estimates, a battalion typically consists of several hundred soldiers.
President’s Remarks on North Korean Casualties
Zelenskiy had previously reported heavy casualties among North Korean forces in the region last week. North Koreans were reportedly poorly protected by the Russian forces alongside them in battles. Some North Korean troops were reportedly executed by their own command to prevent capture. The situation highlighted the desperate measures being taken by these troops.
Continued Conflict Along the Frontline
The Ukrainian president described the entire 1,000-kilometer front line as being embroiled in fierce combat. He mentioned that the hardest fighting is occurring near Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces face significant assaults. Russian forces continue to sacrifice numerous personnel in these attacks, aiming to bypass Pokrovsk. These efforts are intended to cut off Ukrainian supply routes to frontline troops.
Pokrovsk Faces Ongoing Attacks
Pokrovsk remains a critical battleground due to its strategic value, particularly for Ukraine’s steel industry. The city had around 60,000 people before the war, with an estimated 11,000 residents remaining. A key mine in the city supplies vital coking coal to Ukraine’s steel sector. Despite Russian attacks, the city remains crucial for Ukraine’s industrial output and logistics.
