Ukraine Strikes North Korean Artillery Guns Supplying Russian Forces in Kursk

Ukraine has claimed to hit three North Korean artillery guns supplied to Russia, highlighting North Korea’s role in supporting Russian military efforts in Kursk. The M-1978 howitzers, now used by Russian forces, reflect the extensive military cooperation between the two nations amid ongoing hostilities. Reports indicate the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia and intensified shipments of weaponry to bolster Russia’s offensive capabilities against Ukraine.

Ukraine has reported that its military successfully targeted three long-range artillery guns supplied by North Korea to Russia. This development emphasizes North Korea’s considerable involvement in aiding Russia’s military efforts against Ukrainian forces in Kursk. The announcement was made by the Ukrainian military on Wednesday, indicating that an aerial reconnaissance unit from the 14th Separate Drone Regiment located the M-1978 howitzers concealed among trees and coordinated artillery fire.

The M-1978 Koksan artillery system, described as North Korea’s longest-range tubed artillery, features a 170mm gun capable of firing up to 60 kilometers. Initially designed to pose a threat to Seoul, the artillery units are now utilized by the Russian Armed Forces in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine, purportedly to compensate for their significant artillery losses.

Reports suggest that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in Russia to assist in combat against Ukrainian forces, particularly following the latter’s counteroffensive in August that seized parts of Kursk. However, both North Korea and Russia have not officially acknowledged the presence of these troops. Contributions from North Korea include weapon shipments intended to bolster Russia’s artillery capabilities.

In February, Ukraine had previously indicated that its drone units had successfully struck a North Korean howitzer in the Luhansk region, marking a significant engagement between Ukrainian forces and North Korean hardware. Notably, a group of North Korean equipment was identified in the Tyumen region back in December, comprising ten modernized Koksan howitzers, designated as M-1989.

Additionally, South Korea has recently reported that North Korea sent approximately 7,000 containers of military supplies to Russia in the preceding two months, accumulating a total of 20,000 containers to date. Coverage from The Washington Post highlights that the recent arrival of North Korean troops alongside their artillery has assisted Russian forces in recapturing Sudzha, Ukraine’s last stronghold in Kursk, demonstrating the significant impact of these reinforcements.

The Kremlin’s heavy reliance on North Korean military resources to regain control of the Kursk region after it had been under Ukrainian dominance for seven months underscores Russia’s resolute determination to reclaim lost territory. Following a defense treaty agreement reached in Pyongyang in June, collaboration between North Korea and Russia has intensified across multiple sectors, including military support. A recent visit from a Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko was indicative of ongoing discussions surrounding military cooperation and troop deployments.

In summary, Ukraine’s military operations have revealed the deepening collaboration between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of military support and troop deployment. The successful targeting of North Korean artillery emphasizes the crucial role these resources play in the Russian military campaign against Ukraine. This situation illustrates the urgency with which Russia seeks to reclaim lost territory and the escalating involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict.

Original Source: www.rfa.org