Korean troop losses in the Kursk region escalate tensions
The Ukrainian military intelligence reports losses of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. In just two days, over 30 soldiers were either killed or wounded in attacks. Ukrainian forces have had a presence in the Kursk region since August.
"On 14 and 15 December 2024, in areas near the villages of Plechowo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka in the Kursk region of the aggressor state Russia, the Korean People's Army suffered significant losses, with at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded," stated the HUR report. At least three North Korean soldiers were reported missing near the village of Kurilovka.
Ukrainian military intelligence also conveyed that due to the sustained losses, North Korean assault groups are being replenished with new personnel, including members from the 94th Independent Brigade of the Korean People's Army. This is to continue military operations in the Kursk region.
Kim's soldiers at war with Ukraine
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, reported in early November on the presence of 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. At the end of November, HUR warned that the involvement of the Korean People's Army in the war on Russia's side poses a threat to Ukraine, South Korea, and Japan.
"Some of the North Korean military personnel will die in Ukraine, while others will return prepared for modern combat operations and will be able to work as instructors in the Korean People's Army," the statement warned.
In exchange for participating in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin offered North Korea MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. The cooperation also includes transferring advanced military technologies, thereby strengthening Pyongyang's position.
