South Korea Reports Heavy Losses Among North Korean Troops in Ukraine Conflict
South Korean officials report significant losses of North Korean troops in Ukraine, with at least 100 dead and 1,000 injured during recent fighting in the Kursk region. The casualties are attributed to inexperience with drones and unfamiliar terrain. There are signs of potential additional troop deployments from North Korea.
Recent intelligence from South Korea reveals significant casualties among North Korean troops involved in the conflict in Ukraine. According to South Korean Member of Parliament Lee Seong-kweun, at least 100 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia have been killed, and approximately 1,000 have sustained injuries amid clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Lee presented this information following a confidential briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Lee highlighted that the heavy losses can be attributed to two main factors: the inexperience of North Korean troops with drone technology and their unfamiliarity with the terrain where the combat is taking place. This lack of preparedness has evidently contributed to their vulnerability on the battlefield. Notably, Lee mentioned a discrepancy regarding casualty figures when compared with U.S. military assessments, which suggested several hundred North Korean fatalities. He attributed this difference to a more conservative analysis by the NIS.
According to Lee, intelligence indicates that the North is gearing up for further troop deployments, which raises concerns about the escalating involvement of North Korean forces in the ongoing conflict. This development aligns with reports from both U.S. and Ukrainian officials, who have noted the significant number of North Korean casualties as Russia deploys these soldiers in the Kursk region.
Overall, estimates suggest that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to support Russia in the war. In tandem, North Korea has reportedly sent more than 10,000 containers of military supplies, including artillery shells, anti-tank missiles, mechanized howitzers, and rocket launchers. Nevertheless, neither the North nor Russia has officially acknowledged the presence of these troops or the shipment of arms.
Moreover, in June, a significant meeting occurred in Pyongyang between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, culminating in a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement that included elements of mutual defense. This was seen as a formal acknowledgment of the deepening ties between the two nations amidst international tensions.
Furthermore, on December 18, Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that North Korean military losses in the Kursk region could have surpassed 200 troops, suggesting that the situation is dire for these forces. In light of all this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated on December 16 that Russia’s military operations have explicitly begun involving North Korean soldiers, marking a new phase in the conflict.
In summary, South Korea’s recent intelligence highlights severe losses among North Korean soldiers supporting Russia in Ukraine. The combination of their inexperience and the challenging terrain has led to significant casualties. Additionally, preparations for increased troop deployments hint at a growing commitment from North Korea to Russia’s military efforts, raising concerns about the regional and international implications of this partnership.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
