North Korean soldiers ‘highly likely’ killed in Ukraine: Seoul

North Korean soldiers are likely fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, according to Seoul's defence minister. Some North Korean soldiers are believed to have already been killed in the conflict.

Ukrainian media reported that six North Korean military officers were killed in a missile attack near Donetsk on October 3rd. The defence minister said it was “highly likely” this report was accurate.

North Korea is expected to send more regular soldiers to support Russia, given their mutual defence cooperation agreements. Experts have previously said North Korean missiles are deployed by Russian forces in Ukraine.

South Korea also claims thousands of North Korean weapon containers have been sent to Russia. North Korea has strengthened military ties with Russia in recent years through agreements with President Putin.

The UN has sanctions on North Korea for ballistic missile tests. But Russia used its veto in March to end UN monitoring, which North Korea thanked them for. North Korea is also expected to further downgrade relations with South Korea at a parliamentary meeting this week.

In summary, the article discusses reports that North Korean soldiers have participated in and been killed during the Ukraine conflict while fighting alongside Russian troops. It outlines the close military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.