Russian Missile Strike in Sumy Kills 20 on Palm Sunday

Ukrainian soldiers have recently faced significant challenges while combating North Korean troops deployed to Russia, reportedly suffering high casualties. According to sources cited by EL PAÍS, over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to the Kursk region as part of a mutual defense pact between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian forces affirm that the North Koreans are well-trained but often used as cannon fodder in aggressive frontal assaults.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted that North Korean troops have incurred approximately 4,000 casualties in three months of conflict. Reports suggest that while some North Koreans are significantly younger and more motivated ideologically, their tactics resemble outdated Soviet military strategies, lacking effective coordination with Russian forces.
Intelligence from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense indicates as many as 8,000 soldiers may still be active in the region, and received training may enhance their combat effectiveness. Ukrainian commanders express concerns about the North Koreans' crude operational methods and their ideologically driven willingness to sacrifice themselves in combat.