In the intense battlefield of Kursk region in Ukraine, North Korean soldiers have rapidly absorbed experience from the war at an astonishing speed, swiftly transforming into a formidable opponent for the Ukrainian army. Russian official sources publicly confirmed and highly praised the key role of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine War on April 26, 2024, marking a significant shift in Russia's stance toward North Korea's military involvement.
In his public speech, General Gerasimov particularly mentioned that North Korean soldiers played a crucial role in repelling Ukraine's offensive on the Kursk region. He emphasized: "North Korean soldiers fought side by side with Russian troops, demonstrating high professionalism, strength, courage, and heroism, making tremendous contributions to the liberation of the Kursk border area." Gerasimov also pointed out that according to the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement" between Russia and North Korea, North Korean troops' actions in the Kursk region not only helped Russia thwart Ukraine's offensive but also wrote a new chapter in the "battle brotherhood" between the two countries.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova further stated: "The solidarity shown by our North Korean friends indicates a high level of bilateral relations and de facto alliance between us." She emphasized that Russo-North Korean relations will continue to deepen according to the agreements reached by the leaders of both countries. Russian state media RT also detailed in an article titled "'Not a Single North Korean Violated Their Oath': How Our Allies Helped Liberate Kursk," the discipline, coordination, and fearless spirit of the North Korean forces.
The Battlefield Performance of North Korean Troops
According to Russian media reports, before arriving in the Kursk region, North Korean soldiers received training in modern combat tactics, familiarized themselves with drone operations, and adapted to the battlefield environment. They were jokingly referred to as "battle Buryats" by Russian soldiers. Initially responsible for guarding the rear lines, they gradually participated in frontline defense and assault missions. North Korean soldiers are renowned for their strict discipline, fatalistic fearlessness, and extraordinary endurance, particularly excelling in battles to liberate areas such as Korenevsky district, Old Asia, and New Solornina, as well as breakthrough operations in Kurilovka.
The Wall Street Journal reported that North Korean troops demonstrated remarkable learning capabilities on the battlefield. In December 2023, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers first entered the Kursk region. Initially, due to a lack of modern equipment and tactical experience, their combat methods appeared clumsy and vulnerable to Ukrainian drone strikes. However, by February 2024, they had transitioned from frontal assaults to flexible small-unit operations, mastering tactics such as flanking maneuvers and rear attacks, and even learned to effectively counter drone threats. Ukrainian soldier Kot admitted: "They initially had no defense against drones, but soon learned to evade and destroy them."
The success of North Korean soldiers is not only due to their tactical evolution but also stems from their extraordinary physical and mental resilience. Captain Oleh Shiryayev of the Ukrainian Army's 225th Brigade noted that North Korean soldiers demonstrated remarkable survival skills in harsh modern battlefield conditions. Their fearlessness even surpassed that of Russian soldiers, and this almost fanatical fighting spirit enabled them to repeatedly accomplish tasks in Kursk. Russian-provided guided bombs, artillery, and attack drones further enhanced the combat effectiveness of North Korean units, while ongoing losses in personnel and equipment by the Ukrainian army gradually left them struggling.
According to British intelligence estimates, as of March 2024, North Korean casualties in the Kursk region exceeded 5,000, with about one-third being fatalities. Despite the heavy toll, these sacrifices earned invaluable experience. North Korean troops returned to the battlefield in February this year, showcasing stronger combat capabilities. South Korean intelligence agencies revealed that North Korea recently dispatched at least 3,000 additional troops to Russia, indicating its continued commitment to the Ukrainian front.
For Ukraine, the rise of North Korean troops is undoubtedly bad news. Their tactical evolution, tenacity, and deep collaboration with Russia are changing the battlefield situation in Kursk. Disheartened Ukrainian soldier Kot remarked: "They faced modern warfare head-on and learned from it. Now, they are one of our most dangerous opponents."
From initial "human wave tactics" to today's flexible operations, North Korean troops' performance on the Ukrainian battlefield has proven that "war is the best teacher." Through blood and fire, they not only addressed tactical shortcomings but also maximized their physical advantages and fighting spirit.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499004651149509160/
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