In Ukraine, soldiers have been preparing for a new challenge as North Korean troops joined forces with Moscow following Ukraine’s swift incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in the summer. This unexpected development marked a concerning turn in the conflict, with the North Korean soldiers quickly adapting to the battlefield, acquiring valuable combat experience in the ongoing war.
While initial encounters revealed the disciplined and methodical nature of the North Korean troops, some Ukrainian forces have criticized their tactics as outdated, sharing drone footage on messaging apps. Despite differing opinions among soldiers, there is a consensus that the North Korean troops, although lacking initial experience, have been rapidly learning and evolving.
With a military force of 1.2 million soldiers, North Korea’s involvement in foreign conflicts has been limited, leaving them inexperienced in modern warfare technologies like drones. This newfound military experience poses a global challenge, as stated by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency spokesperson, emphasizing the significance of this development beyond the region.
Despite reports confirming the presence of 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk region, Moscow has not publicly acknowledged their involvement, highlighting the covert nature of their operations alongside Russian units. The collaboration between North Korean and Russian forces has been crucial in Moscow’s strategy of overwhelming Ukraine in the Kursk conflict, resulting in significant casualties for Ukrainian forces.
As Ukraine continues to hold onto a portion of the territory seized in August, the situation remains dynamic, with control of Kursk potentially serving as a bargaining chip in ceasefire negotiations. The North Korean soldiers, disguised in Russian uniforms with fake IDs, work alongside Russian units, providing support in reconnaissance and electronic warfare, showcasing a complex and evolving dynamic in the ongoing conflict.
“The facts cannot be denied,” stated Yusov, the spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence. Providing evidence of their presence, he mentioned that intercepted communications revealed North Korean troops speaking Korean with distinctive North Korean accents. Yusov also noted that the North Korean soldiers are utilizing their own weapons and equipment, demonstrating expertise in handling improvised explosives-laden drones, a skill that even some NATO member countries lack.
Describing the North Korean soldiers’ experiences on the battlefield, it was highlighted that their early mistakes were primarily due to their lack of combat experience. For instance, they initially moved in large groups in open areas, making themselves vulnerable to drone attacks and artillery strikes. The report from the Ukrainian military unit observed that the soldiers were easily detected when moving through forests in single-file formations, but displayed better tactics during night operations using red flashlights.
While the North Koreans were commended for their discipline and physical fitness, their effectiveness in combat was hindered by their limited combat experience. The Ukrainian military reported that they suffered heavy casualties, primarily from drone attacks. President Zelenskyy mentioned that an estimated 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded, although U.S. estimates suggest a lower number around 1,200.
Military analyst Glib Voloskyi emphasized that the North Korean military doctrine and training are outdated, relying on strategies from decades ago. Their traditional large-group formations are no longer effective in today’s battlefield environment, where advanced reconnaissance drones provide real-time intelligence. However, Voloskyi acknowledged that with time and improved skills, the North Korean soldiers could become a formidable military force.
Despite the ongoing conflict, very few North Korean soldiers have been taken as prisoners of war, reflecting their strong reluctance to surrender. This reluctance may stem from internal propaganda that depicts surrender as a dishonorable act. Analysts believe that North Korean soldiers view capture as a betrayal of their country and leader.
Belief in self-sacrifice is instilled from a young age and reinforced throughout military training, explained Lee. “Due to the shame associated with surrender, courageous soldiers are expected to reserve their final bullets for themselves,” Lee remarked. Lee also revealed that he had shared images of deceased North Korean soldiers with contacts in his homeland. “The majority of North Koreans are unaware of the situation,” he stated.
Dorothy Camille Shea, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., issued a caution regarding the escalating threat posed by the advancing combat skills of North Korean forces engaged in battles in Kursk. North Korea, Shea elaborated, “is greatly enhancing its military capabilities through the acquisition of Russian military hardware, expertise, and technology, thereby enhancing its capacity to engage in conflict with neighboring nations.” Shea delivered this message to the 15-member U.N. Security Council during Wednesday’s session. Additionally, Shea suggested that North Korea may seek to capitalize on these advancements by pursuing arms sales and military training contracts on a global scale.
Contributions to this report were provided by Associated Press journalists Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Michael Weissenstein at the United Nations.
