North Korean Troops Suffer Over 6,000 Casualties in Ukraine War, Says UK Intelligence
UK intelligence reports indicate over 6,000 North Korean soldiers have sustained casualties in Ukraine, representing more than half of the 11,000 troops sent to the Kursk region. Despite heavy losses, reports suggest North Korea might still deploy more soldiers. Kim Jong Un reaffirmed support for Russia, highlighting the deepening ties in the face of military challenges.
According to recent UK defence intelligence reports, more than 6,000 North Korean troops have suffered either death or injury while fighting in the Ukraine War. This figure accounts for over half of the roughly 11,000 North Korean soldiers that were initially sent to the Kursk region in Russia. Despite these heavy losses, UK officials believe that North Korea might still be sending additional troops.
The UK Ministry of Defence made this announcement via their official X account, stating, “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) forces have highly likely sustained more than 6,000 casualties in offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the Russian oblast of Kursk. The total casualties amount to more than half of the approximately 11,000 DPRK troops initially deployed to the Kursk region. Open-source reports suggest DPRK has subsequently deployed limited numbers of additional troops to Kursk. Significant DPRK casualty rates have almost certainly been sustained primarily through large, highly attritional dismounted assaults.”
In a significant context, former Defence Minister and current Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un earlier this month. This was their second meeting in a short span, reflecting ongoing discussions about North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that operations have remained confined to the Kursk area. Any potential expansion into Ukrainian territory would likely require formal approval from both President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
Adding to the diplomatic backdrop, Kim Jong Un conveyed his unwavering support for Russia in a recent message to President Vladimir Putin. This message coincided with Russia Day, a celebration of Russia’s independence. During this correspondence, Kim referred to Putin as his “dearest comrade” and characterized their relationship as a “genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms,” which suggests strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The significant casualty figures imply substantial challenges for North Korean units engaged in combat. With reports suggesting that more soldiers might be sent to bolster their ranks in Kursk, the situation may evolve further in the upcoming days. Nonetheless, the situation remains precarious, particularly as North Korea’s military strategies continue to be shaped by its alliance with Russia, which has drawn international scrutiny amidst the unfolding conflict in Ukraine.
As North Korea grapples with high casualty rates in the conflict, analysts will be keenly observing how this affects their military strategy moving forward. The depth of Russia’s reliance on North Korean forces adds another layer to the complex dynamics of the ongoing war.
In summary, North Korean forces deployed in the Ukraine War are facing significant challenges, with over 6,000 casualties reported, according to UK intelligence. Although this indicates a severe loss, North Korea may still be sending additional support. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un’s continued expressions of solidarity with Russia suggests a firm alliance between the two nations, despite the heavy losses on the battlefield. As the situation develops, both military movements and diplomatic engagements will be critical to watch.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
