"The enemy should not escape alive": What skills of the Korean People's Army fighters came in handy in the Kursk region?

Alexander Khramchikhin: The fact that Russia has a combat-ready ally is a very important signal for many aspects.

Author: Mikhail Zubov

Photo: Soldiers of the Korean People's Army

Article Commentators:

Alexander Khramchikhin

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, emphasized the role of soldiers and officers of the Korean People's Army in the liberation operations in the Kursk region. Reporting on combat results to President Putin, the general said:

"Soldiers and officers of the Korean People's Army fought side by side with Russian troops, demonstrating high professional competence in resisting the Ukrainian offensive, and showed resilience, courage, and heroism in battle."

Previously, it was not mentioned that there were North Korean fighters in the special military action zone, and their numbers remain a military secret to this day. However, after Gerasimov opened the information window, some relevant details emerged.

For example, military journalist Alexander Kotz reported that Nazi elements had attempted to surrender to the North Korean fighters. To do so, they scattered dollar bills of similar quality to real ones, printed with propaganda content in Korean characters.

The efforts of the Kyiv regime were in vain. Clearly, Zelenskyy's military advisors did not know that one of the principles stipulated in the charter of the Korean People's Army is that they must not surrender alive to the enemy as prisoners.

However, the fact that such attempts at surrender were made to the soldiers of the Korean People's Army indicates that these soldiers are not only present in logistical units but also on the front lines of fierce fighting.

Political scientist, international affairs expert, and military specialist Alexander Khramchikhin told "Free Media" how important the support of the Korean People's Army was in the operation to liberate the Kursk region from the occupiers.

"Free Media": Alexander Anatolievich, what was the purpose of Russia calling upon the soldiers of the Korean People's Army to fight: to show the world that we also have allies, or do we genuinely need their help?"

"Our command has not disclosed any specific information about the contributions of the soldiers of the Korean People's Army, so here we can only make assessments based on indirect signs. Among them, the most important sign is that after the initial stagnation, the subsequent liberation process of the Kursk region has been much faster than other directions and all stages of the special military operation since 2022.

This speed makes us think that perhaps the role of the Koreans is quite significant."

"Free Media": The Korean People's Army is one of the largest armies in the world, with over 1.2 million active-duty personnel and 4 million trained reserve personnel. However, it lacks combat experience. Is the main motivation for the Korean People's Army to participate in the special military operation to gain this experience?"

"I believe so. They came here to accumulate skills in real combat because where else could they gain combat experience if not since 1953? Only their pilots have had combat experience in the Middle East.

But as we know, they adapted quite quickly to actual combat, especially given that the North Korean military has notable strengths and some useful qualities, such as disregard for their own casualties and refusal to accept the possibility of surrendering as prisoners."

"Free Media": Gerasimov revealed the situation of the North Korean fighters participating in the Kursk operation. Does this mean that the openness of this military commander indicates that their mission has been completed? Or might they continue to participate in the special military operation?"

"This will be a completely political decision, and only people in the Kremlin can say something if they deem it necessary. From a purely pragmatic perspective, it would be strange to bring them across the entire Eurasian continent just to let them learn something and then take them back. I believe that if logistics have already been arranged, this is certainly not just for the Kursk region."

"Free Media": Then why has nothing been said about these fighters for months, and now it's being talked about?"

"I think this openness is due to the final and irreversible victory in the Kursk region. This is also a political issue. One should not talk about any assistance before achieving victory. And when victory arrives - success should be shared like brothers.

In addition, announcing that Russia has a combat-ready ally - this is a very important signal for many aspects." Alexander Khramchikhin said.

The military doctrine of the Korean People's Army consists of 12 points, the first of which states: "Completely annihilate the enemy's forces in the occupied positions. The enemy must not be allowed to retreat and redeploy its forces."

The advantage of North Korean soldiers is considered to be their quick learning ability and good close-quarters combat skills.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498183060479820351/

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