South Korean intelligence reports indicate that over 100 North Korean soldiers were killed and nearly 1,000 injured in fighting against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. A lawmaker highlighted deficiencies in training and drone usage as contributing factors to these casualties. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly preparing for more troop deployments to support Russia amid rising casualties.
Recent intelligence reports from South Korea indicate that at least 100 North Korean soldiers have died and approximately 1,000 others have sustained injuries during clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. The information was revealed by South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, who emphasized that these casualties are mainly due to the North Korean troops’ inexperience with drone operations and unfamiliarity with the combat terrain.
Lee’s statements came after a confidential briefing with the National Intelligence Service (NIS), noting that discrepancies exist between the casualty figures provided by various military officials. While a U.S. military official reported several hundred dead, Lee clarified that the NIS analysis is more conservative, stating, “There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000.”
There are indications that North Korea is planning further troop deployments to Russia. This assertion aligns with reports from U.S. and Ukrainian officials regarding substantial North Korean casualties that have been incurred during military operations within the Kursk region. Estimates suggest over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to support Russia, along with significant quantities of military supplies, including artillery shells and missiles.
Official acknowledgment from either North Korea or Russia regarding the troop deployments and arms shipments is absent. The situation follows a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June, where a strategic partnership agreement was signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, solidifying their defense cooperation.
Andrii Kovalenko, leading the Center for Countering Disinformation, noted that North Korean troop losses in the Kursk area have reportedly surpassed 200. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the conflict has led Russia to increasingly utilize North Korean soldiers in combat operations in the region.
The recent involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict highlights a significant alliance between North Korea and Russia during ongoing military operations. Following the war’s escalation, estimates indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been sent to aid Russian forces, which also raises concerns regarding the mounting casualties among these troops. The lack of experience and terrain unfamiliarity have amplified their losses in combat against Ukrainian forces. The international implications of this collaboration signal an ongoing strain in global political dynamics, especially as North Korea bolsters its military support for Russia amid the backdrop of a mutual defense agreement. The situation is further complicated by the reluctance of both nations to openly acknowledge these operations. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the strategic motives behind troop movements and military support.
In conclusion, the engagement of North Korean forces in the Ukraine conflict underscores a troubling alliance between North Korea and Russia, marked by significant troop casualties. Reports indicate that inexperience and unfamiliarity with the battlefield contribute to heavy losses. As the situation evolves, continuous monitoring is essential to understand potential future deployments and ongoing military strategies from both North Korea and Russia.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
