North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses as Ukraine Gains Ground

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.