North Koreans in the Ukraine Conflict: Withdrawal, Losses, and Shocking Tactics

According to Ukrainian military reports, North Korean troops have retreated from the front line in the Kursk region; however, they might return after assessing their combat actions, reports NewsBox. 

Based on Ukrainian sources, North Korean troops left the front line in the Kursk region about two weeks ago. This information comes from the British channel Sky News, citing a Ukrainian commander using the call sign "Puls." Intercepted communications among Russian soldiers indicate that North Korean fighters might rejoin the combat zone. The commander suggested that the reasons for the withdrawal could include treating the wounded, waiting for reinforcements, or analyzing tactical errors.

Ukrainian military sources note that North Korean soldiers employ tactics reminiscent of World War II strategies. They often attack despite significant casualties, and in the face of capture, they sometimes resort to suicide by grenade.

Estimates from South Korea and the USA suggest that Russia has deployed around 12,000 North Korean soldiers to the front. In January, Seoul reported that North Korea had lost 300 troops and had about 2,700 wounded. However, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British intelligence, North Korean casualties, including the wounded, could reach up to 4,000.

Neither Kim Jong-un nor Vladimir Putin has officially confirmed the presence of North Korean forces in the combat zone.