North Korea's conflict role: First losses in Russian alliance
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, North Korea has suffered its first losses in Russia, with Moscow's ally having lost about 200 soldiers.
North Korean troops, who are supporting Russian forces in the Kursk region, have encountered their initial casualties. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that approximately 200 North Korean soldiers were killed due to kamikaze drone (FPV) attacks carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Russians have started utilising Korean soldiers to assist in their assault operations in the Kursk region. Ukrainian intelligence confirms that North Korea has consequently faced its first losses. The Russians employ this support within the marine infantry units and airborne forces of the Russian Armed Forces.
"As of 14 December at noon Greenwich Mean Time, the losses within units comprising North Korean personnel amount to about 200 soldiers," the statement reveals. Intelligence further notes that a significant barrier to Koreans conducting joint military operations is the language barrier, which impedes effective coordination when deploying troops to the front.
Ukrainian sources highlight that recent communication difficulties between Russian and North Korean soldiers have led to instances of "friendly fire" against Russian troops, resulting in the death of eight soldiers. Furthermore, Korean soldiers are deprived of phones and electronic devices to prevent Ukrainian intelligence from obtaining valuable information.
It is noteworthy that, according to Michael Kofman, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, North Korea has now become a direct participant in the conflict and is Russia's largest supplier of ammunition. Additionally, Moscow's ally supports the aggressor's forces with armoured weaponry and manpower, deploying over 10,000 soldiers.
Besides the soldiers sent to Russia, Pyongyang aids Moscow with unconventional equipment. The list of weapons includes, among others, M1989 "Koksan" artillery systems, which are self-propelled constructions featuring a 170mm calibre cannon. It is one of the most powerful machines remaining in North Korea's arsenal, capable of striking targets up to 60 kilometres away.
