Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly says North Korean soldiers deployed in western Russia have been killed or wounded in combat with Ukrainian forces. 

Zelenskyy made the remarks during an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, but did not specify the number of casualties. 

According to Kyodo on Sunday, the Ukrainian president said more North Korean soldiers will be sent to the front lines in the future, urging support for Ukraine’s efforts to gain NATO membership. 

On Sunday Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with visiting senior EU officials, including new European Council President António Costa. 

In the meetings, Zelenskyy asked for their support for Ukraine’s NATO membership bid and more weapons to defend itself.