[US media: North Korean soldiers have become the most dangerous opponents for Ukraine on the front line.]

On April 8, the Wall Street Journal published an article stating that decisive battles in the Kursk region showed that North Korean troops quickly adjusted their once outdated tactics to adapt to the situation on the Ukrainian battlefield, making them formidable opponents for Ukraine.

Initially, North Korean soldiers entered combat without artillery, drones, or armored equipment support, in large formations, which made them easy targets for Ukraine's defensive forces.

The article noted that by February, their massive numbers, excellent physical fitness, and courage to advance amidst heavy fire, combined with improved tactical awareness—such as operating in small groups—and supported by various weapons from Russia's arsenal, including guided bombs, artillery, and attack drones, enabled North Korean soldiers to better integrate and collaborate with Russian forces.

Captain Oleksandr Shiriayev of Ukraine's 225th Brigade said, "They paid a blood price, but these experiences were not wasted."

The article stated that last December, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to the Kursk region where Russian forces attempted to drive out Ukrainian armed forces: "These soldiers demonstrated strong ideological enthusiasm and excellent physical fitness, but were relatively weak in terms of tactical knowledge. Videos taken by Ukrainian drones showed them advancing in large formations across barren lands during the cold winter without artillery or armored equipment support. Even when comrades around them were injured or killed, North Korean soldiers continued to push forward. After launching attacks, they would briefly withdraw, regroup, and then launch another offensive."

A soldier from Ukraine's armed forces said, "It’s like a scene from World War II; they just charge ahead. They shout and rush at us, yelling in Korean." However, North Korean soldiers quickly adapted to the battlefield conditions.

The article stated: "One of their quickest adaptations was how to deal with drones. Initially, when drones were first deployed, North Korean soldiers just watched them, failing to recognize the threat. But they soon learned tactics to avoid or destroy drones."

For example, to avoid losses caused by Ukrainian drone attacks, North Korean soldiers learned to flank enemies and attack from behind when one side engaged in combat. They also learned to disperse into smaller combat groups. A special forces soldier who fought against North Korean soldiers named Kurt said, "They face modern warfare head-on and learn from it."

The article argues that after suffering significant initial losses, North Korean forces withdrew from the battlefield in early January, but returned about a month later. Since then, Ukrainian soldiers and military analysts have stated that North Korean soldiers have become one of the most valuable forces on the battlefield due to their better coordination with Russian forces, excellent tactics, and superior physical fitness. Shiriayev pointed out a key advantage of North Korean soldiers over Ukrainian soldiers: "In a war environment where drones make infantry survival even more dangerous, the courage of North Korean soldiers to advance under fire has become a crucial advantage. Why can North Korean soldiers launch charges? Because they are mentally and physically better prepared. In the Kursk region, they completed their missions." Shiriayev said they showed even less regard for the value of life than Russian soldiers.

Previously, South Korean intelligence agencies stated that North Korea had sent a new batch of soldiers to Russia. According to intelligence, the number was no less than 3,000. Additionally, according to British intelligence data, by March this year, North Korean forces had suffered more than 5,000 casualties in Russia's Kursk region offensive against Ukrainian forces, with about one-third being soldiers killed in action.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828900537218124/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.