Ukrainian Forces Report High Casualties Among North Korean Soldiers in Ongoing Conflict

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Ukrainian military officials have reported significant engagement with North Korean troops deployed alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. Since October 2024, over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been sent to the Kursk region, based on a mutual defense agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang. Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed their return to the battlefield after a temporary withdrawal due to heavy losses, stating that North Korean forces have suffered approximately 4,000 casualties within three months.

Ukrainian soldiers have described North Korean combatants as highly trained, noting their equipment is superior but their tactics are simplistic and reminiscent of Soviet military strategies. Interviews with Ukrainian officers reveal they have grown accustomed to the North Koreans' aggressive frontal assaults, often involving large groups with minimal tactical backing. Despite their ideological motivation, the lack of adequate support and training leaves these soldiers vulnerable, leading to significant casualties on their side as well.

Communication difficulties between North Korean and Russian forces may also hinder operational efficiency, according to Ukrainian intelligence sources.

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