North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses in Ukraine Conflict
According to South Korean MP Lee Seong-kweun, at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed, with nearly 1,000 injured, in the Kursk region of Ukraine amid fighting against Ukrainian forces. The lack of combat experience and unfamiliar terrain contributed to these losses. Reports suggest more troop deployments may follow as North Korean military involvement in the conflict increases.
Recent reports from South Korean MP Lee Seong-kweun indicate that over 100 North Korean soldiers have died and around 1,000 have been injured while engaged in combat in the Kursk region of Ukraine. These casualties stem from heavy fighting with Ukrainian forces, with the North Korean troops reportedly struggling due to inexperience with drone operations and unfamiliarity with the terrain. Lee’s statements follow a confidential briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The NIS’s conservative estimates diverge from U.S. military figures citing several hundred casualties. Lee mentioned that ongoing casualty reports show at least 100 dead and nearly 1,000 injured among North Korean forces. Additionally, there are indications of North Korea preparing to deploy more troops to the area. This aligns with reports from U.S. and Ukrainian sources concerning significant North Korean losses during these operations, suggesting Russia is heavily leveraging North Korean troops in the conflict.
According to U.S. and South Korean intelligence, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to support Russian military efforts, along with significant supplies of military hardware, including artillery shells and missiles. However, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially acknowledged these troop deployments or the associated armaments. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes a mutual defense agreement.
Further elaboration came from Andrii Kovalenko, who reported on December 18 that losses among North Korean forces in the Kursk region have surpassed 200 troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that North Koreans are now actively participating in the conflict in Kursk. This recent surge of North Korean soldiers into the conflict highlights the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, despite the lack of public acknowledgment from both governments.
The involvement of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine conflict indicates a significant international military collaboration. With North Korea’s military resources and personnel being deployed, the dynamics of warfare in the region are changing. The heavy losses reported for North Korean soldiers call attention to their lack of combat experience in such terrains and the strategic repercussions of their involvement in foreign conflicts. Historically, North Korea has maintained strategic relationships with Russia, and recent agreements between leaders signify a deeper military alliance.
In summary, North Korea is suffering significant casualties in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with reports indicating at least 100 soldiers dead and near 1,000 wounded. This development underscores both the challenges faced by North Korean forces in combat effectiveness and the growing military collaboration with Russia. The situation reflects deeper geopolitical ties while highlighting the risks for North Korean troops deployed in foreign military missions.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
