North Korea has sent 3,500 additional soldiers to Russia for training, with potential for a third deployment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Approximately 1,500 North Korean troops have already been deployed near Kursk. Casualty reports indicate high injury rates among North Korean soldiers, alongside the complexities of their involvement with Russian forces.
North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,500 soldiers to Russia’s Far East for military training at five locations, amid speculations of a potential third deployment to support Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon. During a recent visit to Kyiv from February 23-26, Yu cited intelligence from Ukrainian defense chief Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov regarding the troop movements.
Yu reported that approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers from a second batch have already reached the front lines after completing their training. This second wave has been deployed close to the Kursk region in Russia. Previously, North Korea sent around 11,000 troops in October last year, with more troops arriving between January and February 2023.
The Ukrainian defense intelligence agency reports around 400 North Korean casualties, with about 3,600 injuries; some of those injured have returned to the front lines. Ukraine estimates a total of 63,000 joint Russian and North Korean troops operating in the Kursk region, with some units exclusively composed of North Koreans.
During analysis, it was observed that North Korean soldiers were frequently borrowing mobile phones from Russian troops, while the seized tablets held various propaganda and ideological training materials. According to the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, five North Korean soldiers are said to possess combat skills that compare to ten Russian soldiers, indicating their high endurance and minimal fear in combat situations.
Reports suggest that North Korea’s military operations experience a significant casualty rate, estimated at 4,000. In contrast, South Korea estimated around 3,600, with about 10% presumed dead. There have been queries about the discrepancy in captured soldiers, with reports stating that many wounded soldiers opted for self-destruction rather than capture. An audio clip from a captured soldier reveals rigorous training routines, including extensive physical conditioning with heavy packs.
In summary, North Korea continues to bolster its military presence in support of Russia, with significant troop deployments aimed at aiding in the war against Ukraine. The intelligence shared by South Korean officials highlights the high level of training and preparedness among North Korean soldiers, as well as significant casualties incurred in combat. The ongoing situation reflects the complex dynamics of military alliances and the severe toll on human resources from such conflicts.
Original Source: news.az
