Despite efforts by the United States to halt Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine, Kyiv’s forces are facing another challenge nearly three years into the conflict.
South Korea reports that North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers to support Russian forces in the fight against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, which has captured a number of North Korean soldiers recently, notes that their new adversaries are improving on the battlefield and showing increased discipline.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the war in Russia and Ukraine may be increasing due to casualties and prisoners of war.
Ukraine’s military intelligence observed new North Korean troops replacing losses in combat positions at the beginning of January.
The GUR estimates that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to fight in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukraine has launched a counter-invasion as a distraction to Russian troops.
Reports suggest that since arriving in Kursk, Ukrainian forces have inflicted heavy casualties on the North Korean soldiers but at a decreasing rate as they adapt and learn.
Ukrainian and Western officials agree on these figures, with experts predicting a potential increase in the North Korean deployment.
Grim orders
Moscow has been secretive about the presence of North Korean soldiers, leaving Ukraine and its allies as the main source of information on their military activities.
Reports from Kyiv suggest grim tactics such as executions and suicides among North Korean soldiers to avoid capture and hide identities.
Tensions arise as Russian forces are dissatisfied with the treatment and equipment given to North Koreans compared to Russian soldiers.
North Korea’s benefits
North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine brings economic benefits and combat readiness, with experts estimating their potential contribution to the conflict based on these interests.
The collaboration between Russia and North Korea extends to promises of ballistic missile technology and defence pacts, with Russia alleged to be paying for these services with oil shipments.
The recent engagement in Ukraine has also highlighted the discipline and combat skills of North Korean soldiers, leading to questions about potential further commitments from other countries.
