North Korean soldiers sent to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have reportedly been pulled from the front lines after suffering devastating casualties, according to The New York Times, citing Ukrainian and US officials on January 30.
Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no North Korean troops have been seen near the front for two weeks.
The units were originally deployed to reinforce Russian forces struggling against Ukrainian advances inside Russian territory but have suffered catastrophic losses.
The arrival of around 11,000 North Korean troops in Russia last November raised alarm among Ukraine and its Western allies, fueling concerns about an escalation.
But just three months later, their numbers have reportedly been cut in half, according to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.
Despite their reputation as disciplined and aggressive fighters, North Korean troops have struggled on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials describe them as disorganized, poorly integrated into Russian units, and lacking proper armor or tactical coordination.
Many have been sent into heavily mined areas with little protection, leading to staggering casualties.
Will North Korean Troops Return?
Although the withdrawal may not be permanent, US officials believe North Korean forces could be redeployed after further training or if Russia modifies its battlefield tactics to reduce losses.
Ukraine has not yet officially confirmed the withdrawal, but reports from frontline troops indicate unusual battlefield behavior and a sharp decline in North Korean forces due to mounting casualties. Ukrainian soldiers have described reckless and chaotic assaults, with North Korean troops advancing without proper coordination or fallback plans.
While North Korean troop deployments remain uncertain, Russia’s reliance on North Korean military supplies continues to grow.
Reports suggest that over 50%—and in some areas more than 70%—of Russia’s ammunition and artillery shells now come from North Korea.
