North Korean Troops Central to Russia’s Advancements in Kursk

North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, significantly impacting Moscow’s military efforts in Kursk. Estimates suggest 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean servicemen are engaged against Ukrainian forces. Despite heavy casualties reported, their involvement signifies a deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia.

Reports indicate that North Korean troops in Russia are significantly contributing to Moscow’s military advances in Kursk, a crucial area where Ukraine hoped to gain strategic leverage during peace talks. Official sources from Ukraine and South Korea in December identified the deployment of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean servicemen in southern Russia to combat Ukrainian forces, although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed these deployments.

Specifically, in recent days, North Korean and Russian troops have regained control over several villages in Kursk, following a Ukrainian incursion in August. Andriy Kovalenko, a member of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, remarked on the aggressive actions of North Korean troops who are storming the front lines in an organized manner, stating, “The enemy is pouring everything he can on the Kursk region. The [North] Korean troops are trying to storm … in columns, they are actually running across fields.”

Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Censor.NET, chronicled an incident where two North Korean battalions attacked Ukrainian forces attempting to sever their bridgehead along the border. Although these battalions executed their mission, Butusov noted that they “suffered significant losses” during the engagement. Furthermore, South Korea’s intelligence reports indicated that around 300 North Korean soldiers may have been killed, with an additional 2,700 sustaining injuries, though these figures remain unverified.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Russia had resumed utilizing North Korean soldiers who were launching new offensives in Kursk. His comments followed earlier reports of North Korean troop withdrawals due to high casualty rates. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, suggested that the current situation in Kursk might enhance Kyiv’s negotiating position in upcoming discussions with Russia, especially as diplomatic talks are currently occurring in Saudi Arabia.

Moving forward, the relationship between North Korea and Russia is anticipated to strengthen amid the ongoing conflict, particularly as both nations face isolation due to Western sanctions. As the war continues, collaborative efforts between Pyongyang and Moscow may deepen.

The involvement of North Korean troops in Russia’s military operations in Kursk highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations amid ongoing conflict. Despite heavy casualties reported among North Korean soldiers, their deployment signifies a commitment by Moscow to utilize all available resources in the war against Ukraine. As the situation develops, the partnerships forged between these isolated countries may influence future military and diplomatic strategies.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com