North Korea has reportedly sent what some are calling a 'zombie' army to the battlefield in Ukraine, as its soldiers are allegedly launching themselves with reckless abandon against Ukrainian defenses. Kim Jong-un has dispatched approximately 11,000 troops to support Vladimir Putin's two-year invasion, with the initial contingent arriving late last year. According to reports from the Mirror UK, Western officials estimate nearly ten percent of these soldiers have already been eliminated due to intense combat, particularly around the Kursk region.
The situation is dire for the North Korean units, which have been decimated within what witnesses describe as mere minutes. Approximately 4,000 of these so-called elite fighters have been pulled from the front lines due to injuries, with additional troops withdrawn for what has been described as 'retraining.' Those remaining exhibit alarming behavior, often referred to as 'robots' for their fearless charges onto the battlefield. Eyewitness accounts suggest these soldiers are not only willing to traverse minefields but also show disturbing tendencies, such as taking their own lives to avoid capture.
What’s especially shocking is the lengths to which these troops go to seemingly maximize their offensive capabilities. Reports indicate they have been discarding their body armor and helmets, believing this would allow them to move more swiftly against enemy positions. Ukrainian forces have witnessed them abandon these essentials on the battlefield, attempting to lighten their load to charge with more agility.
Heart-wrenching images captured from the frontlines show rows of North Korean soldiers lying lifeless, buried deep under the snow after being targeted by Ukrainian drones. This scene paints a grim picture of the brutal realities of war, where survival has become increasingly questionable for these soldiers. Reports of systemic losses continue to emerge, with some of these troops said to be acting almost uniformly, as they are described by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Directorate, as 'biological robots.'
Despite facing overwhelming odds, some Ukrainian officers have expressed grudging respect for the North Korean troops. A commander from Ukraine's 6th Special Operations Forces regiment told CNN, 'They are young, trained, hardy fighters,' acknowledging their bravery and skill, particularly when it came to shooting down drones. Yet, they are hindered by significant technological deficiencies, which become evident as the conflict continues.
Among the Ukrainian forces, there's also concern about the psychological effects of this brutal war on North Korean soldiers. Desperate to evade capture or the disgrace it might bring to their homeland, many have resorted to severe measures. Accounts of suicides, especially among those who fear the prospect of capture, are especially troubling and signal deep issues within the ranks of the North Korean military.
So far, the North Korean military seems to be unrelenting, committed to supporting Russia’s military efforts amid extensive upheaval. If the current trend continues, it raises pressing questions about the future engagement and sustainability of this support, not just for Russia but for the North Korean troops who are on the ground suffering heavy losses.
While the tactical purpose of sending troops to Ukraine has been framed as supporting Russia’s war efforts, the ramifications for Korea itself are likely significant. Internally, North Korea might face increased scrutiny and potential unrest as bold and brave actions of its soldiers result not only in loss but also questions about the very competence of their military commanders. It seems clear—both on the battlefield and at home—the deployment carries risks on multiple fronts.