Ukraine Reports Heavy Losses of North Korean Soldiers in Russia
Ukraine said Monday that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops suffered significant losses during fighting over the weekend in the Kursk region. The conflict began last month, and North Korean units arrived on the scene, allegedly resulting in casualties.
The Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine estimated that around 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded, with three soldiers reported missing. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder from the Pentagon confirmed the incident, stating that North Korean soldiers have engaged in combat alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. However, he refused to provide specific numbers regarding casualties.
A Ukrainian drone video posted on Sunday purporting to show over 20 North Korean soldier bodies lined up in a snowy field, but the footage’s quality was inadequate for verification. Other drone video footage geolocated near Plekhovo appears to show soldiers retreating, pulling casualties on sleds, but their identification remains unclear.
Since late December, North Korean soldiers have been playing a more prominent role on the front lines in Kursk, primarily as infantry units. Ukraine estimates there are around 12,000 North Korean soldiers assisting Russian units in the region.
The fighting around Plekhovo began earlier this month as Russian units tried to push Ukrainian forces back toward the border. According to a Ukrainian military blogger, Yuriy Butusov, a major assault on Saturday was repelled. He stated that North Korean infantry was backed by heavy fire support from Russian units and electronic warfare against Ukrainian drones.
The village of Plekhovo remains in unclear hands, as clashes continue to unfold in the region.