Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has sought allies to support its military efforts.
While weapons and supplies have arrived from countries like Iran and China, reports emerged last year that North Korean troops were also being deployed to fight alongside Russian forces.
Their presence on the battlefield has now come under scrutiny as reports suggest they have suffered heavy casualties and may have temporarily withdrawn from combat.
Forced to Pull Back
According to a Ukrainian special forces commander, identified by the callsign "Puls," North Korean units stationed in Russia’s Kursk region have been forced to pull back after experiencing severe losses in battle.
He suggested that the troops might be regrouping, tending to their wounded, or awaiting reinforcements before returning to the front.
Speaking from a secret location in northeastern Ukraine, he stated his belief that they would reappear soon.
Reports from Ukrainian soldiers who have faced these fighters describe an aggressive but poorly coordinated approach.
North Korean troops were said to have initially advanced in large formations on foot, sometimes in groups of up to 60 men, making them vulnerable to Ukrainian artillery and drone attacks, according to Digi24.
Soldiers also reported that these troops showed extreme discipline and an apparent unwillingness to be captured, with some choosing to detonate grenades rather than surrender.
Ukrainian intelligence has intercepted communications suggesting miscommunication between North Korean and Russian forces due to language barriers. In some cases, North Korean units reportedly fired on Russian positions by mistake.
Despite these setbacks, the North Korean troops were described as well-equipped, with better uniforms and weapons than many Russian soldiers, though they relied on hand-pulled carts to transport ammunition.
British military intelligence estimates that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since their arrival, with at least 1,000 deaths in combat.
The rapid rate of casualties has significantly impacted their ability to support Russian forces.
