North Korean soldiers who joined Russian forces in the fight against Ukraine have been withdrawn from the front after suffering heavy casualties, according to Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
The North Korean troops, sent to reinforce Russian forces in their attempt to halt the Ukrainian offensive within Russian territory, have not been seen on the front lines for about two weeks, officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The arrival of approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia last November raised concerns in Ukraine and among its Western allies, fearing a significant escalation of the conflict. However, in just three months, their numbers have been cut in half, according to General Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s top military commander.
Ukrainian soldiers who have faced North Korean troops describe them as fierce fighters but highlight their lack of coordination with Russian units, which has led to a rapid increase in casualties. A Ukrainian officer noted that since their arrival at the front, the North Koreans have advanced with little support from armored vehicles and no time to regroup or retreat, leaving them highly vulnerable.
U.S. officials indicated that the withdrawal of North Korean soldiers might not be permanent. It is possible, they said, that they could return after receiving additional training or if Russia develops a better deployment strategy to reduce losses.
Meanwhile, the battle to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk is ongoing. A few weeks ago, Ukraine launched a new offensive in the region but has encountered strong resistance from Russian defenses. Although last summer Ukrainian troops managed to capture about 800 kilometers of Russian territory after crossing the border, Russia has since reclaimed roughly half of that area.
In addition to sending troops, North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells, which now account for nearly half of the ammunition fired daily by the Russian military, along with rockets and missiles, according to Western and Ukrainian intelligence reports. In return, Russia has been providing North Korea with oil, food, and certain military upgrades.
Last summer, months before Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang and met with Kim Jong-un. During the meeting, the two leaders renewed a Cold War-era treaty of military cooperation and mutual defense, further strengthening their alliance.
