North Korean troops reportedly aiding Russia in Ukraine conflict
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has analyzed data concerning the involvement of North Korean soldiers in attacks on Ukraine. According to ISW, the capacity of North Korea to learn from these actions may decline due to the depletion of its forces.
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have examined information regarding the participation of North Korean troops in attacks against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
On December 14, the President of Ukraine, in his daily statement, reported that Russian troops are utilizing North Korean soldiers in attacks in this region.
Zelensky emphasized that Russian forces have incorporated a "significant number" of North Korean soldiers into their units operating in the Kursk region, and these soldiers have already suffered "noticeable losses."
He also added that they may be deployed to other front segments in the future.
North Korean soldiers on the front line. "Capability will deteriorate"
"This marks the first instance of a Ukrainian official reporting North Korean forces conducting assault operations since Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov mentioned in an interview with South Korea’s national broadcaster KBS on 5 November that Ukrainian forces had engaged in 'small-scale' clashes with North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast," reports ISW.
The analysis highlighted that Russian military bloggers have written about the involvement of North Korean troops in offensive operations in the Kursk region, including operations in Plekhovo. ISW experts note that they cannot independently verify any of these claims.
"However, ISW previously noted that North Korea’s ability to learn and integrate lessons from fighting alongside Russia is likely to be significantly hindered if the Russian military command continues to deploy North Korean troops in the same highly attritional, infantry-led assaults used for most Russian personnel," emphasizes Ukrainska Pravda.
