Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reports that North Korea may send 20,000 to 25,000 additional troops to Russia, amid high casualty rates among current forces. The North Koreans suffer heavy losses on the front lines, leading to their strategic withdrawal. Concerns arise regarding the military knowledge gained through this engagement and its implications for regional security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that North Korea might send an additional 20,000 to 25,000 troops to Russia. This statement comes amid reports that a significant number of North Korean soldiers have been removed from combat due to heavy casualties in the Kursk region of Russia. Ukraine estimates that 4,000 out of approximately 12,000 North Korean troops deployed last year have been killed or injured.
Zelenskyy noted, “While Russia may attempt to deploy an additional 20,000 to 25,000 North Korean soldiers, they have not yet arrived at Kursk.” According to intelligence information, North Korea is ramping up troop preparations amid escalating casualties. Ukraine anticipates that any additional North Korean support would primarily consist of missile and artillery units.
The presence of North Korean troops in Russia’s war effort is not officially acknowledged by either country, further complicating efforts to verify the situation. Reports suggest that North Korean forces in Kursk have faced severe combat stresses, suffering high casualty rates since their involvement began last December.
Zelenskyy commented on the North Korean military practices, stating that commanders treat their troops as expendable assets, sometimes executing them to deter retreat. He warned that North Korean forces are gaining valuable combat experience, including how to operate and counter drone technology, which could pose a significant threat to the U.S. and allies in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite their intensive training, recent reports indicate that North Korean troops have not engaged in combat operations since early January due to substantial losses. South Korea’s intelligence stated that there has been no observable participation in combat recently, indicating a strategic withdrawal for “retraining.”
The Institute for the Study of War warned that if casualty rates persist, North Korea could exhaust its available troops in approximately 12 weeks. Reports indicate that North Koreans have sustained an average of 92 casualties daily, which could deplete their forces involved in the conflict significantly by mid-April.
The situation regarding North Korean troops in Russia stems from North Korea’s ongoing political and military alliances. Historically, North Korea has sought to bolster its military capabilities through external partnerships. The current conflict in Ukraine has led to an unprecedented involvement of North Korean forces in aiding Russia, primarily perceived as a desperate measure amid North Korea’s own military challenges, including high casualty rates. The war has prompted concerns about the implications of training and knowledge gained by North Korean troops in terms of regional military dynamics, particularly regarding drone warfare. There are significant international implications to consider given the precarious geopolitical landscape in the region, particularly in relation to U.S. and ally security assessments.
In summary, Ukraine’s reports indicate a troubling scenario for North Korean troops involved in the conflict in Russia, underscoring severe casualties and strategic withdrawals. Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight concerns regarding the treatment and operational status of North Korean forces, as well as the significant military knowledge they might be acquiring through engagement in actual combat conditions. If casualty rates continue, North Korea could face serious depletion of its military contingents abroad, impacting its overall military strategy.
Original Source: rfa.org
