North Korean troops in Ukraine face high casualty rates, with estimates of 33% to 50% losses as they support Russia’s attrition tactics. Challenges in coordination with Russian forces have contributed to their disorganized deployment. The troops have recently disappeared from the battlefield, likely due to heavy casualties, raising questions about their future engagements.
Recent reports indicate that North Korean troops sent to assist Russia in the Ukraine war have incurred heavy casualties, with estimates suggesting losses between one-third and 50 percent. Seth Jones, a US expert, highlighted that this translates to potentially 1,000 deaths among the 11,000 to 12,000 troops deployed since late 2024, particularly in the Kharkiv region. These soldiers are noted for being poorly equipped with food and cold-weather gear while being heavily armed with ammunition.
Jones’s analysis points to the chaotic nature of their deployment, marked by significant language and cultural barriers hampering effective cooperation with Russian forces. He emphasized the lack of cohesion in command and control, resulting in a disorganized effort on the battlefield. This disarray is exacerbated by Russia’s reliance on attrition warfare, involving mass troop deployments aimed at capturing territory despite high casualty rates.
Despite this heavy loss of life, the North Korean forces have not significantly changed the dynamics on the battlefield, according to Jones. He remarked that while Russia has managed to regain small amounts of territory in Kharkiv, there has been no substantial alteration in control. Interestingly, he noted the deployment of North Korean troops might offer strategic advantages, equipping them for future engagements by exposing them to modern combat techniques.
Recently, reports indicate that North Korean troops have largely been absent from combat fronts, marking a significant withdrawal since mid-January. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service suggests that this absence may be tied to the troop’s heavy casualties, though further confirmation is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
The North Korean military’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict highlights their reliance on support for Russia amidst ongoing tensions. Their deployment, estimated at 11,000 to 12,000 troops, primarily engages in frontline combat in regions like Kharkiv, which have seen recent captures and counteroffensives. The significant casualty rates reflect both the tactics employed by Russian forces and the challenges faced due to communication barriers and logistical shortcomings on the North Korean side.
In summary, North Korean troops supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine are experiencing severe casualties, raising questions about the effectiveness of their deployment. The struggles with cooperation with Russian forces and the overall strategic contributions suggest a troubling outlook for these troops. Notably, their recent withdrawal from frontline engagements is raising concerns regarding the impact of these losses on future operational capabilities.
Original Source: asianews.network
