Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine says North Korean troops are back on the front lines of Russia’s war after disappearing for weeks (businessinsider.com)
North Korean soldiers have returned to the front lines in Russia’s Kursk region, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their reappearance follows a weeks-long absence from combat operations.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia redeployed the North Korean troops alongside its own forces in the Kursk region. He claimed significant losses were inflicted on both Russian and North Korean forces. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these battles in preventing further escalation against Ukrainian cities.
The North Korean absence had sparked speculation about their withdrawal after suffering heavy casualties. Western intelligence previously estimated thousands of North Korean troops had been killed or wounded.
Earlier reports indicated North Korean units had temporarily withdrawn from the front lines, likely for rest and refitting. This withdrawal was attributed to heavy losses sustained during attacks against Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive into Kursk last August. Approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers were subsequently deployed to the region to assist Russia in reclaiming lost territory.
While described as disciplined and competent, the North Koreans are considered relatively inexperienced in modern warfare. Reports suggest they have employed human wave tactics and launched ineffective assaults. One Ukrainian commander described them as “cannon fodder.”
Thousands of North Korean casualties have been reported, impacting combat operations in Kursk. The alliance between Russia and North Korea has deepened during the conflict, with Pyongyang supplying Moscow with missiles, artillery, and soldiers.