Ukraine’s military struck three North Korean M-1978 howitzers in Russia’s Kursk, highlighting North Korea’s support for Russia in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are aiding Russian forces, underscoring a deepened military collaboration between the two nations following a mutual defense treaty. This development impacts the balance of power in the region significantly as they aim to reclaim lost territory during the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Ukraine has reported that its military successfully targeted three long-range artillery guns, specifically M-1978 howitzers, that North Korea supplied to Russia. This incident emphasizes North Korea’s significant role in supporting Russian operations against Ukraine in the Kursk region. The attack was carried out by a drone unit from Ukraine’s 14th Separate Drone Regiment, which located the artillery concealed in trees and directed rocket artillery fire onto the targets.
The M-1978 Koksan self-propelled artillery system is noted for its long range, featuring a 170mm gun capable of reaching distances of up to 60 kilometers. Originally designed to potentially target Seoul from the north of the demilitarized zone, it is now employed by Russian forces to compensate for their artillery losses suffered during conflict with Ukrainian troops.
In addition, evidence indicates that North Korea has significantly contributed to Russian armaments, reportedly deploying up to 12,000 soldiers to assist in the conflict in Kursk. This collaboration has not been officially confirmed by either North Korea or Russia. Furthermore, Ukraine previously reported hitting a North Korean howitzer in the Luhansk region, highlighting continuous North Korean involvement since the outset of the 2022 invasion.
South Korean intelligence has revealed that North Korea sent about 7,000 containers of weapons to Russia over the last two months, totaling around 20,000 containers. This highlights the increasing military collaboration between the two nations as they aim to bolster their respective military capabilities.
Reports from Ukrainian sources indicate that recent North Korean troop reinforcements and improved air superiority have enabled Russia to reclaim key areas in Kursk, notably Sudzha. This underscores the Kremlin’s aggressive strategy to recover territories lost to Ukrainian forces over the past seven months. Relations between North Korea and Russia have intensified following a mutual defense treaty signed in June, with recent diplomatic discussions focusing on military cooperation and troop deployments.
The reported strike by Ukraine on North Korean-supplied artillery underscores the critical role North Korea is playing in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With thousands of North Korean troops reportedly supporting Russian operations, this alliance has sparked concerns about the escalation of military engagement in the region. As North Korea continues to supply weaponry and personnel, the dynamics of the conflict in Kursk suggest a deeper integration of military strategies between Russia and North Korea, emphasizing their mutual defense interests.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
