The strike occurred on Wednesday, with Ukraine targeting the Maryino estate using at least 10 British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The estate, located roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the front lines, was reportedly being used as a Russian military command post and communications hub. Ukrainian media claimed that North Korean generals were present at the site during the attack.
While the Wall Street Journal’s sources didn’t identify the injured North Korean general or provide details about his condition, earlier reports from Ukrainian and South Korean officials suggested that Colonel General Kim Yong Bok had been sent by Pyongyang to coordinate North Korea’s efforts with Russia.
Russia confirmed on Thursday that Storm Shadow missiles were used in the strike. Local defense forces in Kursk also reported that 12 missiles in total hit the Maryino estate, which officially operates as a sanatorium overseen by the Russian presidential administration.
Western officials allege that North Korea has sent around 10,000 troops to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces staged a surprise cross-border raid in August.
In exchange for this support, North Korea has reportedly received air defense systems and other military equipment from Russia. South Korea’s National Security Adviser Shin Wonsik confirmed this in a statement to local media on Friday.
