Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Russian forces have incorporated North Korean soldiers into their infantry operations in Kursk Oblast. According to Zelenskyy, a “significant number” of North Korean troops are being deployed in Russian units and have already suffered “noticeable” losses.
This marks the first time Ukrainian officials have reported the active involvement of North Korean forces in assault operations.
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Zelenskyy stated that these North Korean soldiers have thus far been used exclusively in offensive operations in Kursk Oblast but suggested they could be deployed to other areas of the front line in the future. The revelation comes after Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov disclosed on November 5 that Ukrainian troops had engaged in “small-scale” skirmishes with North Korean forces in the region.
Reports of North Korean Involvement Gain Traction
Russian military bloggers recently acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast, claiming they participated in the seizure of Plekhovo, located south of Sudzha, on December 6. Some sources suggested that North Korean special forces conducted the operation independently, while others described it as a joint effort with Russian units.
On December 14, geolocated footage purportedly showed around 40 infantry personnel conducting an assault east of Kremyanoye, east of Korenevo. While some sources claimed the footage featured North Korean troops, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated it could not independently verify whether the personnel were North Korean or Russian.
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Russian military bloggers further alleged that North Korean forces were supporting elements of the Russian 1427th Motorized Rifle Regiment near Russkoye Porechnoye, north of Sudzha. Additionally, reports suggested that North Korean troops had undergone weeks of training alongside various Russian military units, including the 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment, the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade, and the “Arbat” Special Purpose Battalion.
Ukrainian and Russian Observations
Ukrainian defense outlets cited multiple sources claiming North Korean troops have been conducting infantry assaults across open terrain in groups of 20 to 30 soldiers in unspecified areas of Kursk Oblast. These tactics mirror the high-casualty, infantry-led assaults that the Russian military has employed with its own personnel.
The ISW highlighted that North Korea’s ability to adapt and integrate lessons from their collaboration with Russia may be limited if the Russian command continues to use these troops in similarly attritional operations. Despite the reports, the ISW has not independently verified the claims of North Korean involvement or the specific nature of their deployment.
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International Implications
The reported involvement of North Korean soldiers in Russian operations signals a potentially deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. It also underscores the extent to which Russia is seeking external support amid its protracted conflict with Ukraine. The situation raises concerns about the evolving dynamics of international alliances and the potential for further escalation in the region.
As the conflict continues, the role of foreign forces, including North Korean personnel, will likely draw increased scrutiny from the international community.
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