North Korean troops in Ukraine: Mounting challenge and concerns
The North Korean soldiers, thanks to their battlefield experience, have become a serious adversary for the Ukrainian army, assessed the American daily "Wall Street Journal." The skills they have acquired can be taken back to their country and implemented in their vast army, which worries South Korea and Japan.
The North Korean soldiers, who gained experience on the battlefield, quickly became a significant challenge for the Ukrainian army. According to the "Wall Street Journal," their skills may be transferred to North Korea, raising concerns in South Korea and Japan.
North Korean soldiers learn quickly
In the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been operating since August 2024, North Korean forces quickly adapted their tactics to modern war conditions.
In December, during the first attacks conducted by the Koreans, large groups of soldiers participated, unsupported by artillery, drones, or armoured vehicles, making them easy targets for Ukrainian soldiers. However, by February, an improvement was observed: the Koreans began operating in smaller groups, supported by Russian weaponry such as gliding bombs, artillery, and drones.
Thousands of North Korean soldiers on the front
In December, Pyongyang sent about 12,000 soldiers to the Kursk region, and this year another 3,000 joined them. Initially, they dug trenches and performed logistics support functions, but after significant losses in the Russian army, the Koreans were directed to the battlefield. Now there are concerns that their presence and gained experience could be used in the vast North Korean army, which includes 1.2 million soldiers.
According to "WSJ," after three weeks of fighting in the Kursk region, North Korean losses amounted to 3,000 killed and wounded. So far, about 5,000 North Korean soldiers have died, one-third of them during the fighting. Ukrainians noticed that many Koreans suffered from scurvy. Moreover, despite the Koreans not being experienced in combat, Ukrainians could not capture many soldiers from this country, as they often chose death.
They detonate a grenade before capture
According to Michael Madden from the Stimson Center think tank, North Korean soldiers detonate a grenade before capture. In December, one soldier, avoiding being taken to Ukrainian captivity, shouted "General Kim Jong Un" and blew himself up.
Two Koreans captured by Ukrainians reported that they did not know why they were going to war. One of them, a 26-year-old, added that he thought South Koreans were fighting alongside the Ukrainians.
One Ukrainian military official emphasized that the main "advantage" of the North Koreans over the Ukrainians is their lack of respect for human life. According to him, in this respect, they even "surpass" the Russians.
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia raises concerns in South Korea and Japan. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, emphasized that North Koreans continue to arrive in Russia, and their training and equipment have improved, making them more integrated with Russian forces.
