North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses as Ukraine Gains Ground

UA
Published:

North Korean forces have reportedly pulled back temporarily from the frontline in the Kursk region, following significant casualties in recent clashes with Ukrainian troops. A commander from Ukraine's special forces, known by the codename "Puls," indicated on January 27, 2025, that the North Korean soldiers may be regrouping to tend to their wounded or awaiting reinforcements.

Interviews with Ukrainian soldiers have shed light on the North Korean military tactics and behavior since their deployment. The troops have displayed a concerning lack of awareness regarding modern warfare threats, often advancing in large, easily-targeted groups without adequate protection. Reports also emerged of North Korean soldiers refusing to be captured, with instances of troops detonating grenades rather than surrendering. Ukrainian forces claimed they overheard a North Korean soldier shouting allegiance to Kim Jong Un before taking his own life.

Despite being equipped with better gear than many Russian soldiers, North Korean forces were noted to have limited supplies and inadequate heavy armor. Ukrainian soldiers have been documenting military artifacts from the battlefield, highlighting personal belongings and the soldiers' attempts to erase evidence of their presence.

The Ukrainian government estimates that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have already been killed or injured since their deployment. Reports suggest that North Korea has sent as many as 11,000 troops to assist Russia in the ongoing conflict. Neither North Korean leader Kim Jong Un nor Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially confirmed this troop deployment.

Puls emphasized that North Korean troops are marked by high levels of discipline and morale, but their operational coordination with Russian forces has been hampered by language barriers. Ukrainian forces anticipate that the North Koreans will soon return to the frontline, potentially with additional reinforcements.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Ukraine

Ukraine Develops Countermeasure System Against Advanced Russian Drones

Ukraine's Magyar Birds drone unit has reportedly devised an innovative countermeasure system to combat Russian fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones, which are increasingly being used as effective weapons on the battlefield. According to commander Robert Brovdi, the unit utilizes mobile radars to detect incoming drones, allowing them to launch their own drones for interception before the Russian drones can hit their targets. Brovdi shared a video on Telegram showing one of their drones destroying a Russian FPV drone, emphasizing that they have developed functioning options for both detection and destruction. The fiber-optic technology used by the Russian drones, which connects them directly to controllers preventing jamming, has made them particularly formidable. Brovdi has urged for a faster deployment of mobile radar systems along the front lines to improve early warning capabilities against these fast-moving threats. This development highlights the evolving dynamic of drone warfare in the conflict, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces have relied heavily on drones for reconnaissance and attacks since the onset of the war.
UA

Russian Bombing Claims Lives of Three Generations in Zaporizhzhia

In a devastating incident in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, a Russian bombing on November 7, 2022, killed three members of a single family: Sophiia Buhayova, 27, her 17-month-old son Adam Buhayov, and Tetiana Tarasevych, 68. According to BBC correspondent Orla Guerin, the family was at home when a guided aerial bomb struck their apartment block, resulting in their deaths and that of six other civilians. Yuliia Tarasevych, Sophiia's mother, expressed her profound grief, stating, "I lost my mother, my daughter, and my grandson in one second." She shared that some of Adam's final moments were filmed by Tetiana as they enjoyed a walk prior to the attack. As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, Yuliia visited the cemetery where her loved ones are buried, lamenting, "It’s hell on earth." As international focus on the conflict wanes, both Yuliia and her husband Serhiy emphasize the necessity for Ukraine to resist Russian aggression. They fear that any calls for negotiations, especially amid changing political tides, could undermine their fight for sovereignty.
UA

Ukraine Enlists Released Convicts in Military Effort Against Russia

Ukraine has initiated a significant prisoner recruitment drive, releasing around 100 inmates to join the 129 Brigade, where they are training to operate drones. This initiative, which began in May 2024, has seen approximately 6,800 inmates enlist in the armed forces, according to the Ukrainian government. Valery, a 28-year-old who accidentally killed a friend in a car crash, expressed his motivation to defend his country, stating that leaving prison felt like being "born again." Not all convicts are eligible for this opportunity, as those convicted of serious crimes, including murder and sexual offenses, are excluded. Most released criminals are directed to infantry roles; however, the 129 Brigade offers specialized training in drone operation. As noted by Anatoly, the commander of the brigade’s prisoner unit, this influx of convicts helps alleviate pressure on other soldiers, allowing for critical rest. Despite the risks, including a recent loss of 17 soldiers under his command, Anatoly praised the bravery demonstrated by the former prisoners, emphasizing their commitment to serve Ukraine.
UA
All Ukraine News ->