North Korean forces gain battlefield prowess in Kursk region
North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region have quickly become the most valuable force on the battlefield, reports the "Wall Street Journal." "They pay with blood. But this experience will not be wasted," says one of the Ukrainian military personnel.
What do you need to know?
- North Korean soldiers operating in the Kursk region have become the most valuable force on the battlefield due to their readiness to attack under any conditions, reports the "Wall Street Journal."
- The military has already become familiar with the rules of modern warfare. They know, among other things, how to combat drones.
- "They pay with blood. But this experience will not be wasted," says one of the Ukrainian commanders.
In December, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to the Kursk region, where Ukrainians were conducting a military operation. Initially, they struggled on the battlefield, operating in large groups without support from artillery, drones, or armoured vehicles, making them easy targets.
"It was like scenes from World War II, they just ran," recounts one of the military personnel. "They advanced and shouted in Korean; there was a lot of shouting," he adds. Later, Ukrainians realized that their opponents did not use radio communication and issued commands by shouting.
Despite the lack of experience, few fell into Ukrainian hands. Most chose death by detonating grenades.
The Koreans improved. "They pay with blood"
As reported by the "Wall Street Journal," in February, however, the tactics of the Koreans improved. They began moving in small groups, better integrated with Russian armies, as well as artillery and drones.
"They pay with blood. But this experience will not be wasted," said Captain Oleg Shiryaev, commander of the 225th battalion.
The Koreans were the quickest to adapt to fighting drones. "When first deployed, the North Koreans just looked at the drones, not realizing they were a threat. But very quickly, they learned tactics to either avoid them or shoot them down," wrote the "Wall Street Journal." For example, they might use one of the soldiers as bait for a drone and then shoot down the machine.
"They are dealing with modern warfare and are drawing conclusions from it," says one of the Ukrainian soldiers.
The "WSJ" argues that the Koreans are currently among the most valuable soldiers on the battlefield. In a war where drones have made infantry survival even more dangerous, analysts believe the readiness of the North Koreans to advance under fire is a critical asset.
Source: "Wall Street Journal"
