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World News
23 December 2024

North Korean Soldiers Face Heavy Casualties Fighting For Russia

Over 1,100 North Korean troops reported killed or wounded as they support Russian forces in Ukraine.

More than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting alongside Russian troops in the Ukraine War, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The military's statement on Monday highlighted the heightened stakes of North Korea's involvement, which has drawn increased scrutiny from global observers. The latest figures significantly expand on previous reports from Seoul’s intelligence agency, which detailed at least 100 fatalities among the North Korean troops since December.

Seoul’s military authorities indicated they had assessed, through various sources of information, there had been around 1,100 casualties among North Korean forces engaging with Ukrainian units. The JCS noted, “Through various sources of information and intelligence, we assess North Korean troops who have recently engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces have suffered around 1,100 casualties.” This stark statistic points to the substantial losses North Korea is incurring as it attempts to bolster Russia's military efforts during the protracted conflict.

Intelligence estimates suggest there are approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers currently deployed to Russia, many of whom have been integrated to support operations within the Ukrainian theater, particularly in the contested Kursk border area. According to the JCS, North Korea is reportedly preparing for the rotation or additional deployment of these soldiers, underscoring the sustained commitment of Pyongyang to reinforce its military ties with Moscow.

Notably, North Korea is not only sending troops; it is also contributing military hardware to aid Russia’s combat operations. Reports indicate the production and supply of self-destructible drones and advanced artillery systems, including 240mm rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery units. The JCS pointed out, “North Korea was aiming to modernize its conventional warfare capabilities based on combat experience” drawn from the Ukraine engagement, indicating a strategic imperative for Kim Jong Un's military leadership. This cooperation offers North Korea the potential to both test and refine its military capabilities.

The burgeoning relationship between North Korea and Russia has drawn considerable attention, especially after the signing of a landmark defense pact between the countries earlier this year. Experts assert Kim Jong Un views the conflict as not only an opportunity for military engagement but also as leverage for securing advanced weaponry and military technology from Moscow, which could significantly bolster North Korea’s own military aspirations.

Reports of casualties highlight the challenges faced by North Korean troops, who are described as being ill-prepared for combat under unfamiliar conditions, including the use of drones and mobile warfare tactics commonly employed by Ukrainian forces. A South Korean lawmaker, Lee Seong-kweun, noted after intelligence briefings, “Several North Korean casualties had been attributed to Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, as well as training accidents,” indicating significant vulnerabilities within the North Korean ranks.

Despite these staggering losses, the North Korean regime continues to assert its military ambitions. The JCS expressed concern over the growing threats posed by Pyongyang, emphasizing how these developments could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. “This could lead to an increase in the North’s military threat toward us,” the JCS warned, highlighting the potential geopolitical ramifications of North Korean military ambitions.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has shifted its stance on military support for Ukraine, with President Yoon Suk-yeol noting the possibility of providing weapons to Kyiv. This announcement marks a significant departure from South Korea’s historical policies of non-intervention, aimed at addressing perceived threats from North Korea’s increasing military capabilities and its collaboration with Russia.

On the diplomatic front, North Korea reacted defensively to allegations of its military support for Russia, condemning statements from the United States and its allies as “reckless provocation.” The regime characterized criticisms of its troop deployments as attempts to undermine its sovereignty and cooperative ties with Moscow. These developments signal increasing geopolitical complexity, not only affecting the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict but also the security situation within East Asia.

This situation has prompted discussions of enhanced cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine, particularly as both nations assess the strategic threats posed by North Korean military involvement. Last month, officials from Seoul and Kyiv agreed to deepen their security relations, seeking to address the multi-faceted challenges posed by North Korea's active military support for Russia.

Experts continue to monitor the evolution of North Korea’s military involvement, as the losses sustained by its troops reinforce the risks and unpredictability associated with the regime's military gambit. The intersection of North Korea's resurgence on the battlefield and its quest for diplomatic leverage amid international isolation presents significant challenges for regional security. The situation remains fluid, as the geopolitical stakes continue to rise amid the turbulent backdrop of the Ukraine War.

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