North Korean troops are reportedly playing a crucial role in Russia’s military operations in Kursk, aiding in regaining control over several regions amidst ongoing tension with Ukraine. Estimates suggest that around 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean servicemen have been deployed, highlighting the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea as both face international sanctions.
Recent reports suggest that North Korean troops have become instrumental in Russia’s military operations in the Kursk region. Amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine, estimates indicate that North Korea deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 servicemen to assist in combating Ukrainian forces, bolstering Russia’s position as the conflict persists. Notably, neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed the presence of these troops in the region.
The collaboration between Russian and North Korean military forces has reportedly resulted in the recovery of several villages previously targeted by Ukrainian incursions. Andriy Kovalenko from Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council emphasized the vitality of North Korean troops as they engage the front lines decisively, asserting, “The enemy is pouring everything he can on the Kursk region. The [North] Korean troops are trying to storm… in columns, they’re actually running across fields.”
Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov detailed a significant engagement involving two battalions of North Korean troops attempting to sever a Ukrainian stronghold near the border. Even though these North Korean forces mounted aggressive operations, they incurred considerable losses, leading South Korea’s intelligence service to estimate that approximately 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed, with 2,700 others wounded in the recent conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns regarding the revival of North Korean military involvement in Kursk, stating that Russia’s military had “brought back in North Korean soldiers” for new offensives. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Zelensky, indicated that the circumstances in Kursk could ultimately affect Ukraine’s leverage in peace negotiations with Russia.
As the situation develops, the military ties between North Korea and Russia are expected to strengthen as both nations face international isolation due to sanctions from Western powers. As the conflict continues, these dynamics between the two countries are critical to understanding the evolving landscape of the Russia-Ukraine war.
In conclusion, the deployment of North Korean troops in the Kursk region marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This collaboration highlights the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang amidst mutual sanctions. The situation’s impact on future negotiations and military engagements remains pivotal in shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
