Ukraine Targets North Korean Artillery Supporting Russia’s Efforts in Kursk
Ukraine reported a successful strike on three North Korean artillery guns aiding Russia in the ongoing conflict. The M-1978 Koksan artillery system, now used by Russia, demonstrates North Korea’s increasing military collaboration with Russia, including the dispatch of thousands of troops. This relationship appears to be reshaping the dynamics in the Kursk region, allowing Russia to reclaim lost territory.
Ukraine has reported successfully targeting three long-range artillery guns supplied to Russia by North Korea, emphasizing North Korea’s involvement in aiding Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. The Ukrainian military indicated that its aerial reconnaissance unit identified the M-1978 howitzers concealed in trees and directed Ukrainian rocket artillery fire against them.
The M-1978 Koksan self-propelled artillery system, featuring a 170mm gun with a maximum range of 60 kilometers, is North Korea’s most advanced artillery type. Initially developed to target Seoul from the north of the demilitarized zone, it is now deployed by Russian forces to compensate for their artillery losses.
Reports estimate that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia to support the military operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. While neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has acknowledged the presence of these troops, evidence suggests that North Korea has assumed a role in supplying military equipment to Russia.
Recent confirmations reveal that North Korea has dispatched around 7,000 weapon containers to Russia within the past two months, cumulatively totaling 20,000 containers, according to South Korean intelligence. Additionally, reports indicate that Ukrainian forces successfully struck a North Korean howitzer in Luhansk, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin has demonstrated a strong reliance on North Korean military support, which has reportedly allowed Russian forces to reclaim territories in Kursk after a prolonged Ukrainian input. Following a mutual defense treaty established in June, relations between North Korea and Russia have bolstered significantly, with a recent Russian delegation visiting Pyongyang to discuss defense matters and troop deployments.
In summary, Ukraine’s military actions against North Korean-supplied artillery underscore the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia. The presence of North Korean troops and equipment is contributing to Russia’s efforts to regain control over lost territories in the Kursk region. As these two nations continue their collaboration, the global implications of their relationship warrant careful observation.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
