North Korea Reinforces Russian Forces Amidst Ukraine Conflict Losses

North Korea has sent 3,000 additional troops to Russia to mitigate losses in the Ukraine conflict. These forces have suffered high casualties, attributed to inexperience, and are supported by artillery and missiles from North Korea. The military alliance is crucial for both parties, with North Korea trading military resources for oil and technology.

In a recent report by the Associated Press, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia in early 2024 to counter losses incurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move aligns with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s assertions that North Korean forces have faced significant casualties, with estimates suggesting around 4,000 losses, of which two-thirds were killed in action.

Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov noted that the high casualty rates among these troops are largely due to their inexperience in combat and their strategy of utilizing human wave assaults with inadequate equipment. In addition to manpower, North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, advanced self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers.

The military relationship between North Korea and Russia has grown increasingly vital, as Pyongyang provides artillery shells, missiles, and troop reinforcements in exchange for oil and advanced rocket technology. Last fall, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk Oblast to assist Russian forces in mitigating a Ukrainian offensive that had begun in August 2024, during which Ukrainian troops initially captured 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory. Subsequently, Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean support, succeeded in launching a counteroffensive, reclaiming significant ground, notably the town of Sudzha.

In conclusion, North Korea’s contribution of 3,000 troops to Russia highlights their growing military partnership amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite facing considerable losses, North Korean forces continue to play a critical role in supporting Russian operations, contributing not only personnel but also advanced weaponry. This dynamic underscores the complexity of the situation in Ukraine as foreign military alliances evolve.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com