The British defense ministry indicates that North Korean troops have faced over 5,000 casualties in Kursk while fighting Ukrainian forces. This number represents almost half of the 11,000 deployed. Recent territorial gains have been noted, although further expansion would require high-level authorizations.
The British defense ministry reported that North Korean forces have sustained over 5,000 casualties while engaged in combat against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region of Russia. This intelligence update, released on the ministry’s social media account, indicated that about one-third of these casualties were killed in action.
This casualty count represents nearly 50% of the initial 11,000 North Korean troops that were deployed to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine last year. The ministry stated, “Significant DPRK casualty rates have almost certainly been sustained primarily through large, highly attritional dismounted assaults,” using the full name of North Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Reports highlight that, in recent weeks, both North Korean and Russian military forces have achieved territorial advances in the Kursk area. However, operations are currently limited to this region. Any strategic decision to engage further into Ukrainian territory would necessitate approval from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a previous assessment, South Korea’s military estimated that North Korea suffered around 4,000 casualties from the initial 11,000 troops sent to Russia. Additionally, it appears that North Korea dispatched another 3,000 troops to the region during January and February of this year.
In summary, recent intelligence indicates that North Korean forces have suffered substantial casualties of over 5,000 in the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region as they support Russian military operations against Ukraine. This situation raises concerns regarding military strategies and the potential future decisions of North Korean leadership regarding territorial expansion.
Original Source: en.yna.co.kr
