ISW analyzes North Korean troop involvement in assaults on Ukrainian forces in Kursk
Фото: KCTV
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have highlighted evidence of Russian forces using North Korean soldiers in offensive operations against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. They note that this strategy could lead to significant depletion of North Korean units and hinder their ability to adapt to combat conditions.
Rubryka reports, citing ISW.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on December 14 that Russian forces have been integrating North Korean soldiers into their units in the Kursk region, particularly for infantry attacks. He noted that these soldiers have already suffered considerable losses.
Zelensky also mentioned that North Korean troops could be deployed in other areas along the front.
"This is the first time a Ukrainian official has reported that North Korean forces are conducting assault operations since Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced in an interview with South Korean national broadcaster KBS on November 5 that Ukrainian forces engaged in "small-scale" clashes with North Korean troops in Kursk region," the experts noted.
Russian military bloggers have also reported the involvement of North Korean troops in assaults in the Kursk region, specifically in operations near the settlement of Plekhovo.
"ISW previously noted that North Korea's ability to learn and integrate lessons from fighting alongside Russia is likely to be significantly degraded if the Russian military command uses North Korean troops in the same highly attritional infantry-led assaults that it uses most Russian personnel," ISW report states.
This development adds a new dimension to Russian-North Korean military cooperation, which has been a longstanding concern for the international community.
Key ISW takeaways as of December 14
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on December 14 that the Russian military has deployed North Korean soldiers in infantry assaults in Kursk Oblast.
- The prospects for Russia's continued military presence in Syria remain unclear as reports that Russia is evacuating its military assets from Syria continue.
- The complex nature of the interim Syrian government is likely to result in conflicting reports about whether Russia is engaged in talks with Syrian opposition groups.
- Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot in Oryol Oblast on the night of December 13 to 14.
- The new Georgian Dream-dominated parliament and other government bodies elected Georgian Dream's candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, as Georgian President on December 14.
- Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Torestk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Robotyne.
- Ukrainian forces regained lost positions near Vovchansk within the past several weeks.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to exalt the "Time of Heroes" veteran program and use it to militarize the Russian government and society.
What is known about the presence of North Korean military personnel near the border with Ukraine?
As reported by the Financial Times on October 30, the Russian Federation has already deployed around 3,000 North Korean soldiers to the Kursk region, positioning them 50 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The National Resistance Center of Ukraine also reported that over 3,000 North Korean mercenaries have begun training in the Kursk region, based on information gathered from the local population.
Additionally, sources indicate that a North Korean military contingent of up to 12,000 personnel is undergoing training at five training grounds of the Russian Armed Forces' Eastern Military District. This contingent includes at least 500 officers, including three generals from North Korea's General Staff.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that the first clashes between Ukrainian Armed Forces and North Korean soldiers have already occurred in the Kursk region, though these engagements have been "small-scale" so far.
On December 14, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported that Russia had begun using DPRK soldiers in assault operations in the Kursk region, particularly within combined units of the Russian Marine Corps and Airborne Forces.
