Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi claimed on Tuesday that Moscow is carrying out an "intensive offensive operation" in Russia's Kursk region, allegedly involving "active" participation of North Korean army units.

"North Korean mercenaries have already suffered heavy losses," Syrskyi said in his address, adding that Ukrainian forces are "steadfastly" holding the line, inflicting significant damage on Russian personnel and equipment. "For which I am grateful to the soldiers and officers," he underlined.