Over 6,000 North Korean Troops Killed or Injured in Ukraine War, Says UK Ministry
The British defense ministry estimates over 6,000 North Korean troops killed or injured in the Ukraine war, primarily in the Kursk region. This figure represents a significant increase from previously reported casualties, with more than half of the original 11,000 deployment affected. The report suggests high casualty rates come from intense infantry assaults, and future strategies may require approval from top leaders in both North Korea and Russia.
The British defense ministry has reported significant losses in North Korean troops engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. An estimated 6,000 soldiers have been killed or injured fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia. This figure exceeds the earlier estimate of 5,000 casualties shared just two months ago, indicating a sharp spike in losses among the North Korean military forces in the area.
According to the ministry’s assessment posted on X, the number of casualties corresponds to more than half of the roughly 11,000 troops initially sent by Pyongyang to the Kursk region. The report highlighted that high casualty rates stemmed largely from intense and attritional infantry assaults, indicating a brutal clash on the front lines.
DPRK is the acronym for North Korea’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. While the ministry has noted that North Korea’s military actions remain restricted to the Kursk area, there are speculations about future deployments. Any potential movement of troops into Ukrainian territory could require the go-ahead from key leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
North Korea, having dispatched a mass of 11,000 troops to Russia last year, is, according to South Korean military sources, believed to have sent an additional 3,000 soldiers this year specifically to bolster their operations in the Kursk region. The National Intelligence Service had previously informed lawmakers, in late April, that North Korea faced significant military losses, with casualties including roughly 600 fatalities.
These developments reflect the ongoing complexities and challenges in the Russia-Ukraine war, where North Korean forces are now finding themselves heavily engaged. As casualty figures rise, attention turns to the implications for both the North Korean military strategy and the broader geopolitical landscape, as both North Korea and Russia navigate their partnership amid these shifting dynamics.
In summary, over 6,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been killed or injured fighting in Ukraine, highlighting a concerning trend of high casualties. The British defense ministry’s updated figures indicate that more than half of North Korea’s initial deployment to the Kursk region has been impacted. As North Korea continues participating in this conflict, the need for approval from senior leadership raises questions about future troop movements and the overall strategy in response to increasing losses.
Original Source: www.koreaherald.com
