North Korean Troops Resurge in Kursk, Threatening Ukrainian Lines
Ukrainian forces are facing serious challenges in Kursk, with critical supply lines at risk of being cut off amidst Russian advances. North Korean troops have been redeployed and have improved their operational tactics, posing a significant threat. If Ukraine retreats, they may have to do so on foot due to fortified Russian positions.
The ongoing conflict in Russia’s Kursk region has resulted in significant setbacks for Ukrainian forces, who had previously invaded and captured territory in August 2024. A vital Ukrainian supply line is close to being severed, which may lead to their encirclement by Russian forces. Despite facing heavy losses, the Russian military has persistently attacked Ukrainian defenses, reclaiming ground lost during a successful Ukrainian counter-offensive.
In a move to bolster their offensive, Russian Generals have redeployed North Korean troops, known as the “Storm Corps,” to the front lines in Kursk. These troops had been removed from combat after experiencing high casualty rates due to their lack of experience in modern warfare, with reports indicating that around a third of the 12,000 initially deployed soldiers were killed.
However, reports indicate that these North Korean forces have now adopted improved tactical approaches. Rather than engaging in large-scale assaults, they are operating in smaller units and have shown a better grasp of drone warfare and guerrilla tactics. Their recent breakthrough south of Sudzha—a town controlled by Kyiv—has successfully cut off a crucial transportation route for Ukrainian forces.
In addition to redeploying existing forces, Kim Jong-un has dispatched another 3,000 personnel to bolster the Storm Corps, including engineers, technical specialists, and infantry. The North Korean Bulsae-4 wheeled missile launchers have also been reported as part of their enhanced capabilities in the region.
Given the current situation, if Ukrainian forces are compelled to retreat, they may be left with no choice but to abandon their vehicles, as Russian forces have significantly fortified their positions. While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team has acknowledged their precarious situation in Kursk, the specifics of their strategic response remain unclear.
The situation in Kursk is critical for Ukrainian forces, as they face mounting pressure from Russian advances and redeployed North Korean troops. The success of the North Korean Storm Corps, now employing better tactics, poses a tangible threat to Ukrainian supply lines. Retreating under current conditions could force Ukrainian soldiers into a dire situation with limited mobility. The strategic actions taken by both sides will significantly influence the conflict’s progression.
Original Source: www.theweek.in
