Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims North Korea may send 20,000-25,000 additional troops to Russia, amid reports of heavy casualties for existing North Korean forces. Approximately 4,000 of the 12,000 initially deployed troops in the Kursk region have suffered injuries or death. North Korean soldiers are reportedly receiving critical combat training, raising concerns over future impacts on regional and global security.
Taipei, Taiwan – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that North Korea might dispatch between 20,000 and 25,000 additional troops to Russia. This statement arises following reports of significant North Korean casualties, with around 4,000 of the 12,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia’s Kursk region facing injuries or death. Zelenskyy noted that, while plans for additional troop deployment exist, they have yet to arrive at the frontlines in Kursk.
In January, South Korean military intelligence indicated that North Korea was preparing to send more personnel to Russia, primarily to address the rising number of casualties faced. The intent of sending additional troops is believed to focus mainly on missile and artillery units. Notably, neither Russia nor North Korea has officially recognized the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict, leading to challenges in verifying these claims, although Ukrainian and allied officials report heavy losses among North Korean forces.
Zelenskyy highlighted the harsh treatment of North Korean soldiers by their commanders, describing them as expendable, sometimes executing troops to prevent withdrawal. He expressed concern over the knowledge gained by North Korean forces from the conflict, which could pose a future threat, specifically regarding drone warfare tactics. Zelenskyy pointed out that these troops are gaining critical combat experience, which poses risks to both the United States and the Indo-Pacific region.
According to additional reports, North Korean forces have not participated in recent offensive operations and have been temporarily withdrawn for retraining. South Korea’s security agency confirmed that these troops showed no signs of combat activity since January, attributing this to their high casualty rate. Furthermore, Ukrainian military sources echoed that no North Korean personnel have been sighted in action in Kursk for approximately three weeks.
Government officials emphasize the urgent need to address the rising casualty rates, with analyses suggesting that North Korean troops could be eliminated entirely within three months should the current conditions persist. The Institute for the Study of War indicated that North Korean forces have experienced substantial daily casualties since engaging in serious conflict, underscoring the precarious nature of their involvement.
Officials from South Korea have voiced concerns over the inhumane treatment of North Korean troops, characterizing their deployment as a tactic to sustain the regime at the expense of human lives. Allegations of North Korean soldiers serving as “human mine detectors” on the battlefield have emerged, underscoring the grim realities faced by these troops in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The involvement of North Korean troops in the war in Ukraine has raised significant concerns regarding military strategy and human rights issues. Reports highlight the high casualty rates among these soldiers, prompting debates about their treatment and strategic utility in combat. The broader geopolitical implications of North Korea’s military actions and training relationships with Russia also warrant attention, particularly for regional stability in East Asia and the implications for global security.
The situation surrounding North Korean troop deployments in Russia signals significant losses and strategic dilemmas for both North Korea and Russia. With ongoing reports of high casualties and inhumane treatment of soldiers, the future of North Korean military engagement in the conflict remains uncertain. The transfer of battlefield knowledge also presents concerns for global security dynamics, particularly in the context of U.S. and Indo-Pacific relations.
Original Source: www.rfa.org