Ukrainian officials report that North Korean troops have withdrawn from the frontlines in Kursk after substantial losses. Approximately 12,000 soldiers were deployed, with estimates indicating about 4,000 casualties. Despite their initial training, North Korean forces face difficulties with modern combat, specifically regarding drone warfare. Ukrainian forces claim to have made advancements despite heavy Russian presence.
Recent reports by Ukrainian military officials indicate that North Korean troops have not been seen on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region for approximately three weeks. Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, suggested that these troops likely withdrew due to significant casualties. It is estimated that out of nearly 12,000 North Korean soldiers deployed, around 4,000 have been reported killed or injured in combat.
North Korean units were originally sent to the Kursk region to assist Russian forces in repelling Ukrainian advances along their southern border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that approximately 60,000 Russian troops and 12,000 North Koreans are stationed in Kursk. He mentioned that a substantial portion of North Korean troops has suffered losses, stating, “one-third of those North Korean troops had been killed.”
Reports have surfaced regarding the challenging combat tactics employed by North Korean soldiers, including instances where troops chose to detonate grenades rather than be captured. A commander emphasized that while these soldiers are physically fit and well-trained, they may be ill-equipped for modern warfare that incorporates drones and advanced technology.
Despite significant challenges, Ukrainian forces have recently made progress in the Kursk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The Russian Defense Ministry did confirm the recapture of a village situated on the border, highlighting ongoing military activity in the area. Notably, the deployment of North Korean troops has neither been confirmed by Moscow nor Pyongyang.
This military collaboration is underscored by a defense pact established between Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Vladimir Putin of Russia, which aims to provide mutual military support. This agreement is considered a pivotal development in rekindling the defense partnership first signed during the Cold War era in 1961, indicating a significant shift in their military relations.
The involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict alongside Russian forces marks a notable point of international military cooperation and strategic partnership. This deployment, part of a broader defense agreement signed by leaders Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, not only highlights the growing military collaboration between the two nations but also raises concerns over the changing dynamics of military engagements in the region. The deployment of these soldiers has raised questions about their effectiveness and the implications of traditional military tactics in modern warfare settings.
In summary, the absence of North Korean troops on the frontlines in Kursk, attributed to heavy casualties, reflects the challenges faced by allied forces in the Ukraine conflict. The ongoing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia underscores a significant shift in their historic ties, which could influence future military strategies in the region. The situation remains fluid as Ukraine continues to push back against Russian military efforts with advancements reported in Kursk.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
