Heavy Losses Reported Among North Korean Troops in Ukraine Conflict
South Korea reports heavy casualties among North Korean troops in Russia’s fight against Ukraine, with 100 dead and 1,000 wounded. MP Lee Seong-kweun attributed losses to inexperience and the challenging terrain. There are hints of further troop deployments as North Korea supports Russia militarily, despite no official acknowledgment from either nation.
South Korea has reported that at least 100 North Korean soldiers were killed and around 1,000 injured in battles against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia. MP Lee Seong-kweun conveyed this information to Reuters following a classified briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS). According to Lee, the heavy losses primarily stem from the North Korean troops’ inexperience with drones and their unfamiliarity with the challenging terrain they faced on the battlefield.
Lee pointed out that a US military official suggested casualties were in the hundreds, but he attributed this discrepancy to the more cautious assessment provided by the NIS. “There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000,” Lee stated, emphasizing the reliability of the NIS’s intelligence.
Lee also suggested that there are indications North Korea is gearing up for further troop deployments. This development aligns with observations from US and Ukrainian officials regarding the significant casualties among North Korean forces, who are being used extensively by Russia in its operations in the Kursk region. Reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to aid Russia, alongside shipments of artillery, anti-tank missiles, howitzers, and rocket launchers.
Despite this, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially acknowledged the presence of their troops or confirmed any arms transfers. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, where the two leaders agreed to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” which included mutual defense arrangements.
Additionally, Andrii Kovalenko, who leads the Center for Countering Disinformation, mentioned on December 18 that North Korean losses in the Kursk region may have already surpassed 200 soldiers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported on December 16 that Russian forces had started to include North Korean soldiers in their ranks for the ongoing conflicts in the area.
In summary, South Korean intelligence indicates heavy casualties among North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Russia. The numbers of dead and wounded are thought to be significant due to inexperience and the difficulties of the terrain. Calls for further troop deployments suggest ongoing military engagements. As the conflict unfolds, the extent of North Korea’s involvement and the implications for regional security remain to be fully understood.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
