Heavy Casualties Reported Among North Korean Troops in Kursk Region

The British defense ministry reports that North Korean troops have incurred over 5,000 casualties in Kursk while fighting Ukrainian forces, nearly half of the 11,000 initially sent. The casualties largely stem from intense ground assaults. Despite some territorial gains, further deployment into Ukraine will require approval from Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.

According to the British defense ministry, North Korean troops have suffered over 5,000 casualties while engaging Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, a critical front in Russia. An intelligence update revealed that about one-third of these casualties were fatalities, highlighting the intense nature of the conflict. This figure represents nearly half of the initial 11,000 troops North Korea sent to support Russia in its battle against Ukraine.

Furthermore, the British defense ministry noted that the high casualty rates for North Korea were primarily the result of large, attritional ground assaults. In recent weeks, both North Korean and Russian forces have reportedly made territorial advances in the Kursk area. However, North Korean operations remain localized, with any further deployment to Ukrainian territory contingent on approvals from leaders Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.

Last week, South Korea’s military reported a slightly lower casualty estimate, stating that around 4,000 North Korean troops had been lost out of the initial deployment. In addition, intelligence suggested that North Korea may have sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia in early 2025, indicating a sustained commitment to supporting the Russian military effort.

The recent information from the British defense ministry underscores the high casualty rates that North Korean troops have faced while operating in the Kursk region. With significant losses being reported, North Korea’s military strategy appears to involve large frontal assaults. This situation raises concerns about the ongoing conflict and the extent of North Korea’s involvement in the war alongside Russia against Ukraine.

Original Source: en.yna.co.kr