North Korean troops have reportedly suffered casualties while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk border region, according to US and Ukrainian sources. This marks the first reported deaths of North Korean soldiers since it was revealed in October that Pyongyang had sent troops to aid Russia’s war effort.
Are These the First Combat Losses for North Korean Troops?
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the GUR, reported that at least 30 North Korean troops had been killed or wounded over the weekend in battles across multiple villages in Kursk. The agency specified that the clashes occurred Saturday and Sunday in Plekhovo, Vorobzha, and Martynovka villages.
The North Korean troops, described as having no prior combat experience, are believed to have initially been assigned training and support roles upon their arrival in Russia. However, in recent weeks, they have been deployed to the front lines, where fighting has intensified.
What Does the US Say About North Korea's Combat Role?
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. “We believe North Korean soldiers have engaged in combat in Kursk alongside Russian forces,” the spokesperson stated. “Unfortunately for them, they have suffered casualties, both killed and wounded.”
While no specific number of North Korean casualties was provided, the spokesperson noted that their combat involvement had started “a little over a week ago.” It was further added that North Koreans appear to be serving primarily in infantry roles and that, so far, their deployment has been limited to Russia’s Kursk region.
What Does Drone Footage Reveal About North Korean Troops?
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared drone footage on Telegram, purportedly showing North Korean troops taking cover behind trees following an assault on a Ukrainian position. Zelensky stated, “These are North Korean soldiers participating in Russia’s attacks. There is not a single reason for North Koreans to die in this war.”
Zelensky also shared disturbing footage that allegedly depicted Russian forces attempting to conceal the presence of North Koreans. The video, he claimed, showed Russian troops using a campfire to burn the faces of fallen North Korean soldiers. “This is an effort to hide the truth about who is dying in this senseless war,” he added.
Why Is Russia Silent on North Korean Losses?
The Kremlin has remained silent on the reports of North Korean troop casualties, referring all questions to the Russian Ministry of Defence, which has yet to issue any comment.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s GUR intelligence agency continues to monitor and report on North Korea’s role in the war. “Ukraine’s Defense Forces and intelligence are working to determine the full extent of the actual losses suffered by Russian units that include North Koreans,” Zelensky said.
How Significant Is North Korea's Involvement in the War?
These developments come amid ongoing reports that Russia has been advancing in eastern Ukraine in recent months. Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Kursk in August, and fighting in the region has escalated since.
Zelensky emphasized the larger context of North Korean involvement: “The fact that Russia has brought in North Korean troops shows how desperate they are for manpower. These soldiers, who have no experience, are being sent to die in a war that is not theirs.”
What Does the Alliance Between Russia and North Korea Mean?
In October, reports emerged that North Korea had dispatched approximately 10,000 troops to assist Russia. According to intelligence assessments, their initial role was non-combat support. However, the shift to active infantry duties signals a growing reliance on North Korean forces as Russia struggles to maintain its offensive capacity.
A Pentagon official underscored the broader implications of this alliance: “This is a troubling development. It underscores how Russia continues to rely on foreign assistance to sustain its war efforts.”
What Is the Cost of North Korea's Role in This War?
The involvement of North Korean soldiers adds a new dimension to the conflict. Zelensky, in his address, highlighted the human cost. “It is tragic to see men who have no stake in this war being sent to the front lines. This is another example of Russia exploiting its allies.”
As the war continues, Ukraine’s forces remain vigilant in identifying and addressing foreign reinforcements within Russian units. The exact toll on North Korean troops remains uncertain, but the recent casualties in Kursk underscore the escalating intensity of the conflict.
