Ukrainian forces engaged in combat with North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia’s western Kursk region, marking the first reported encounter with foreign state-sponsored soldiers aiding Russia since its invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed on Tuesday that Ukrainian troops had fired on North Korean units, which had been deployed to support Russian forces in contested areas along the Ukraine-Russia border.

Umerov described the encounter as a “small-scale” engagement. According to U.S. officials approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are now deployed in the Kursk region to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine. North Korean soldiers in the area are said to be outfitted in Russian uniforms and trained to operate drones, making it difficult to distinguish them from local Russian units.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the initial skirmish involved artillery fired at North Korean positions. Ukrainian officials provided limited details on the specific timing and outcome of the engagement. Kovalenko said officials are expecting “more engagements in the coming weeks.”

The first confirmed clash with foreign soldiers supporting Russia has drawn attention from Western governments, who have condemned North Korea’s involvement. The United States, along with South Korea and the European Union, denounced North Korea’s presence in Russia, warning that any direct combat role would classify these troops as legitimate targets for Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international allies to increase support in response to the collaboration between Russia and North Korea, warning that this partnership also includes the transfer of artillery and ballistic missile technology between the two nations.