Heavy Losses Prompt Withdrawal of North Korean Troops from Ukraine Conflict
Recent reports indicate that North Korean troops dispatched to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine have not been seen in active combat for several weeks, leading to speculation that they may have been withdrawn following significant casualties. According to the National Intelligence Service of South Korea, North Korean forces were reportedly pulled from the frontline around mid-January 2024 after experiencing devastating losses.
North Korea began deploying an estimated 11,000 troops to the Russian Kursk region in late 2024, stemming from a mutual defense pact established between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This alliance was formed in response to what both leaders referred to as U.S.-led Western hegemony. However, the involvement of North Korean soldiers has come at a heavy price, with South Korean intelligence reporting around 300 deaths and approximately 2,700 wounded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attracted attention in January when he shared a video featuring two captured North Korean soldiers. One of them stated that their commanders had informed them they were being sent for training exercises, highlighting the lack of preparation these soldiers faced for the realities of warfare in unfamiliar territory. Ukrainian forces, armed with advanced drone technology, posed a particular threat to the unprepared troops.
Further intelligence reports cited alarming finds of notes on the bodies of deceased North Korean soldiers, which indicated that the regime was instructing them to commit suicide rather than be taken captive. This grim directive underscores the high stakes involved for North Korean forces in the conflict.
The arrival of North Korean troops raised fears of a significantly escalated conflict, as South Korean military officials previously indicated that Pyongyang might be considering sending an even larger contingent of soldiers. In exchange for providing military personnel, weaponry, and ammunition to Russia, North Korea was reportedly seeking access to advanced Russian satellite technology as well as financial resources to enhance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The South Korean intelligence agency suggested that the high casualty rates could explain the decision to retreat North Korean forces from the Kursk region, particularly after Ukrainian forces launched a surprising offensive back in August 2024.
Seth Jones from the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington estimated this week that the number of North Korean troops impacted could be as high as 50%, with various reports indicating that casualties may range from a third to potentially 1,000 dead among the contingent of 11,000 troops.
Despite the grim toll, North Korea has yet to publicly acknowledge its military involvement in the conflict. However, in October, President Putin did not try to dismiss the presence of North Korean forces in Russia. North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong-gyu maintained that any deployment of troops would comply with international law, suggesting a level of denial over the situation on the ground.
As the war in Ukraine continues to unfold, the implications of North Korean military losses and the strategic partnership with Russia will remain critical factors in the broader geopolitical landscape.
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