North Korea Suffers Over 6,000 Casualties in Ukraine Fighting, British Intelligence Reports
North Korea has reportedly suffered over 6,000 casualties in Ukraine while assisting Russian forces in the Kursk region, according to a UK Defense Ministry report. This number represents more than half of the 11,000 troops initially deployed there. North Korea may have sent additional troops to the region, and military collaboration with Russia appears to be strengthening.
North Korean forces appear to have sustained over 6,000 casualties during their combat operations against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, as revealed by a recent report from the UK’s Defense Ministry. The analysis, released on Sunday, indicates that these casualties represent more than half of the approximately 11,000 troops initially assigned to that area. It also points to the DPRK potentially bolstering its presence with a limited number of additional soldiers since their deployment.
The British report explains that the high casualty rates are likely the result of strenuous and attritional assaults, emphasizing the severe conditions under which these North Korean troops have been operating. Additionally, the report sheds light on the evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia, noting increased military collaboration between the two nations.
Notably, on June 4, former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made a trip to North Korea to meet with Kim Jong-un. This visit underscores Shoigu’s significant role in facilitating discussions about North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s controversial military actions in Ukraine.
As of now, the DPRK’s military operations have been largely confined to the Kursk region, and any further deployment into Ukrainian territory would likely require explicit approval from both President Putin and Kim Jong-un. Reports suggest that North Korea committed 11,000 troops last year to support Russia’s efforts, with an additional 3,000 sent this year, as outlined by the South Korean military assessments. Earlier intelligence from April pointed to around 4,700 casualties having been reported by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
In summary, North Korea’s military involvement in the conflict in Ukraine has led to significant casualties, with over 6,000 troops reportedly affected. The report suggests this figure is over half of the original forces deployed to the Kursk front. With continued military exchanges between North Korea and Russia, the extent and future of this cooperation remain critical areas of focus for international observers.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
