Ukraine Targets North Korean Artillery Guns Supporting Russian Efforts in Kursk
Ukraine reported striking three North Korean artillery guns in Russia, demonstrating North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. The M-1978 howitzers, identified by Ukrainian drone units, are now used by Russian forces to make up for artillery losses. Approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to be fighting alongside Russia, indicating deepening military ties between the two countries amidst ongoing territorial recoveries in Kursk.
Ukraine has claimed that its military successfully targeted three long-range artillery guns supplied by North Korea to Russia, exemplifying North Korea’s significant role in the war against Ukraine. The 14th Separate Drone Regiment identified these M-1978 howitzers, concealed among trees, and coordinated an effective response using Ukrainian rocket artillery.
The M-1978 Koksan howitzer, equipped with a 170mm gun, boasts a range of up to 60 kilometers. Originally designed for striking Seoul from the northern demilitarized zone, these artillery pieces are now being utilized by Russian forces to compensate for their losses in artillery during the ongoing conflict.
It is estimated that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Russia to engage in combat against Ukrainian forces, particularly in the Kursk region, following a counterattack in August. This presence has not been confirmed by either Pyongyang or Moscow.
Reports indicate that North Korea has provided weaponry to Russia amidst the latter’s ongoing artillery losses. For instance, a February strike by Ukrainian forces destroyed a North Korean self-propelled howitzer in the Luhansk region, marking a significant event in the conflict involving North Korean military assets. In December, a troop formation equipped with modernized Koksan howitzers was reported in Russia’s Tyumen region.
Further intelligence from South Korea suggests that North Korea has dispatched around 20,000 containers of arms to Russia since October, highlighting the extensive nature of their military collaboration. Ukrainian assessments indicate that the deployment of North Korean troops and their equipment has fortified Russian efforts, allowing for critical territorial recoveries in the Kursk region.
The recent developments have drawn attention to the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, further solidified by a mutual defense treaty established in Pyongyang in June. A delegation from Russia, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, recently conferred with North Korean officials on defense matters, likely concerning troop deployments amid discussions of a proposed ceasefire led by the U.S.
In summary, Ukraine’s recent military engagements have illuminated North Korea’s substantial involvement in supporting Russia with artillery and troops. The utilization of North Korean military equipment has allowed Russian forces to regain lost grounds in the Kursk region, emphasizing the strengthening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow. The ongoing supply of arms and troops indicates a sustained commitment to support Russia in its efforts against Ukraine.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
