Ukraine War: North Koreans are said to be falling in numbers in deadly maneuvers

Attacks in the Kursk region
North Koreans are said to be falling in droves in death maneuvers

December 17, 2024, 8:07 p.m

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The fighting in Russia’s Kursk region is becoming more intense, and it appears that many North Korean fighters are now also getting involved. According to Ukrainian sources, they are being hit by kamikaze drones as they maneuver in small groups – possibly due to poor preparation.

According to Ukraine, North Korean soldiers are currently increasingly active in fighting in the Russian Kursk region. The 8th Special Forces Regiment of the Ukrainian Army alone reported 50 killed and 47 injured North Korean soldiers. The information cannot be independently verified.

In a video from the regiment, small groups of soldiers can be seen walking in open fields in snowy landscapes. There they are repeatedly attacked and hit by kamikaze drones. Other fighters desperately seek shelter in trees, but are still eliminated by drones.

According to the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, fighters are probably unaware of the danger of drones on the battlefield. “The North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region react quite strangely to drones. Before the attacks, the dead soldiers did not visually grasp the danger posed by the drones, which may indicate that the Russians did not adequately inform the Koreans about the use of Drones have informed the front line,” Kowalenko said on Telegram.

In an interview with ntv.de, military expert Colonel Reisner also referred to a “very drastic video” in which at least 30 soldiers were killed. “The Ukrainians claim that they are North Koreans, but there is no proof yet.”

Secret service: Moscow wants to maintain the offensive pace

Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) spoke of “heavy losses” among North Korean units. They have therefore begun to set up additional observation posts to detect Ukrainian drones.

“Before the attack, North Korean troops gather a group of 20 to 30 soldiers on the front line – small groups of up to six soldiers then move to the concentration area,” the HUR said. According to information, the North Korean troops use red ribbon as an identification mark at the front. Ukraine has repeatedly reported attacks by small units at other parts of the front in the past.

The constant accumulation of attack groups shows that Russia does not want to lose the pace of its offensive actions, military intelligence said. Army chief Syrskyj spoke on Tuesday of an “intensive” counteroffensive in the Kursk region.