North Korean troops have reportedly retreated from the Kursk frontlines after sustaining heavy casualties. Ukrainian officials state that approximately 4,000 of the 12,000 North Korean troops deployed have been killed or injured. President Zelensky confirmed ongoing Ukrainian presence despite the large numbers of Russian and North Korean soldiers. The North Korean forces have employed outdated tactics against modern warfare challenges, ultimately leading to their withdrawal due to significant losses.
Ukrainian military officials report that North Korean troops have been absent from the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region for several weeks, likely due to heavy casualties. Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military’s Special Operations Forces, indicated that these forces have not been observed for approximately three weeks, hinting at a probable withdrawal after sustaining significant losses. Ukrainian adviser Mykhailo Podolyak confirmed reports that some North Korean units have retreated after enduring heavy casualties.
About 12,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to support Russian forces in Kursk against Ukrainian advances, with North Korean officials estimating that about 4,000 of these troops have either been killed or injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a recent event, confirmed that his forces remain in Kursk despite the presence of 60,000 Russian troops and 12,000 North Koreans. He noted high casualty rates among the North Korean contingents, with reports suggesting one-third may have been killed.
Reports have surfaced regarding the extreme tactics employed by North Korean soldiers, including instances where troops detonated grenades rather than face capture. A Ukrainian commander noted that while North Korean soldiers are young and trained, their combat training is outdated, making them unprepared for modern warfare elements such as drones. However, they demonstrated strong marksmanship when targeting drones from short distances, indicating effective training.
There are indications that Russia utilizes North Korean troops for ground assaults, despite suffering considerable losses. Recent updates indicate that Ukraine has made progress in Kursk, while the Russian Defense Ministry reported that forces recaptured a village in the region. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have formally confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops within Russia’s borders.
The deployment of North Koreans followed a significant defense agreement between Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin, which aims to enable mutual military assistance during times of conflict. This agreement is perceived as a revival of the Cold War-era mutual defense treaty established in 1961, underscoring a deepening military partnership between the two nations.
The situation in the Kursk region involves a complex interplay of military strategies, where North Korean troops have reportedly been sent to support Russian forces engaged in conflict with Ukraine. The deployment is said to follow a defense pact signed between North Korea and Russia, enhancing military cooperation significantly since the Cold War. The backdrop of this conflict showcases the increasing military alignment of both nations in the face of contemporary threats.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of North Korean troops from frontlines in the Kursk region highlights the severe impact of casualties on their deployment. Despite being deployed to bolster Russian forces against Ukraine’s military actions, these troops have faced significant challenges, illustrating modern warfare’s demands. The consequences of a renewed military pact between Russia and North Korea could continue to shape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
