Withdrawal of North Korean Troops from Russian Frontlines Amid Heavy Losses
Ukrainian officials report the withdrawal of North Korean troops from Kursk after suffering heavy losses during engagements, with estimates of around 4,000 casualties among a deployment of 12,000 soldiers. President Zelensky indicated that one-third of these troops have perished, and both Russia and North Korea have not acknowledged their presence in the region.
Ukrainian officials report that North Korean troops have not been seen on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region for approximately three weeks, likely due to heavy casualties. Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces stated that the absence of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) troops may indicate a forced withdrawal following significant losses.
North Korean units had been deployed to Kursk, which borders Ukraine, with reports indicating that out of 12,000 soldiers sent, around 4,000 have either been killed or injured. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak confirmed these reports of troop withdrawal after losses. Ukraine has indicated advancements in Kursk, despite facing a substantial Russian presence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation, mentioning that one-third of the North Korean troops have reportedly perished. He characterized the region’s circumstances, explaining that despite the high troop numbers, they have been unable to eliminate Ukrainian forces from Kursk. Historical context reveals that North Korean troops had been called upon to assist Russian forces since at least November.
Furthermore, reports detail the extreme, sometimes suicidal tactics employed by North Korean soldiers, including the choice to detonate grenades rather than face capture. While these troops display notable marksmanship, particularly against drones, a commander pointed out their outdated combat preparation, contrasting modern warfare realities.
Russia appears to utilize North Korean soldiers predominantly for ground assaults, amidst increasing Ukrainian advancements in the region. Despite these dynamics, both Moscow and Pyongyang have yet to confirm the presence of North Korean forces in Russia, coinciding with a recent military cooperation pact signed between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The involvement of North Korean troops in Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict highlights a significant military alliance reflecting Cold War-era ties. Specifically, the defense pact signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin has rekindled military collaboration, characterized by North Korea’s deployment of forces to assist in Russian defense efforts. This situation has unfolded during a period marked by intense combat and significant losses for both North Korean and Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
In summary, North Korean troop withdrawals from the Kursk frontline are attributed to substantial casualties sustained in recent engagements. As reported by Ukrainian officials, this reflects both strategic military shifts and the historical revival of Soviet-North Korean partnerships. The dynamics underline the challenges both nations face in sustaining military pressure amidst evolving combat conditions.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
