A high-level U.S. government official reportedly confirmed that many North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed in combat against Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the New York Times quoted the official as saying “a significant number” were killed in action, with the exact time of the armed conflict yet to be verified.

The remarks come as Kyiv publicly confirmed its troops had engaged in battle with North Korean troops. 

Washington, on the other hand, deferred an official verification.

The Times reported that a high-level official in Kyiv did not verify the actual number of North Korean casualties but said the skirmish was limited.

The official added that North Korean soldiers who did not participate in the recent combat could soon be dispatched to the battlefield.