North Korean Troops in Ukraine War: Over 100 Dead, South Korea Reports

The Ukraine war has taken a new turn with the involvement of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. Reports from South Korea suggest that at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed in combat, while another 1,000 have been injured since their deployment earlier this month.

Key Details of the Report

South Korean MP Lee Sung-kwon revealed this information after being briefed by the country's National Intelligence Service (NIS). He stated that the casualties included several high-ranking officials. The losses were attributed to the troops’ lack of familiarity with the battlefield terrain and modern warfare techniques, particularly drone warfare.

This development follows earlier reports that North Korea had sent 10,000 troops to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Most of these troops had no prior combat experience, spending their initial weeks in training and support roles before being deployed to the frontlines.

Where Are the Casualties Happening?

The reported casualties are believed to have occurred in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are defending a small area captured during a surprise attack in August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently disclosed that Russia has been using a “significant number” of North Korean troops in its attacks in Kursk.

Interestingly, the North Korean soldiers have not yet been deployed to Ukraine itself, where Russia has been advancing in the eastern regions.

Challenges Facing North Korean Troops

Intelligence reports indicate that the high casualty rate among North Korean forces stems from their unfamiliarity with modern battlefield conditions. These troops are reportedly being used as expendable frontline assault units and are struggling to adapt to drone warfare—a critical component of the Ukraine conflict.

Moreover, there are complaints within the Russian military about the North Korean troops being more of a burden than an asset due to their lack of knowledge about drones and modern combat strategies.

Additional Deployments on the Horizon?

According to Lee Sung-kwon, preparations for additional troop deployments are underway. It is believed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could personally oversee these efforts, emphasizing the close alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.

While neither Russia nor North Korea has officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops, Pyongyang continues to frame its alliance with Moscow as a countermeasure to the US and Western influence.

Global Reactions

The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine war has raised serious questions on the international stage. The United States has already confirmed that North Korean casualties have occurred, though without providing specific numbers. Meanwhile, the BBC reports that it has not independently verified these claims.

Conclusion

The deployment of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict. With over 100 deaths and reports of additional deployments, this alliance between North Korea and Russia could have far-reaching implications for global geopolitics.

As the war continues to evolve, the international community will closely watch these developments and their potential impact on the conflict's trajectory.

Reference from:- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2ezx258xzo