In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, hundreds of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured in the Russian region of Kursk, according to a senior US military official, as reported by the Associated Press. This is the first report of significant North Korean casualties.
No exact figures were provided. The Ukrainian military reported 68 Russian attacks in one day, claiming to have killed 50 North Koreans and wounded 47 over three days.
The Kremlin has not disclosed casualty figures and has not responded to these reports. Estimations suggest Russian casualties could reach 1,500 per day.
Professor Han Bouwmeester of the Netherlands Defence Academy noted that these numbers are rough estimates, primarily based on intelligence. Former commander Mart de Kruif highlighted the lethal nature of artillery wounds in this conflict.
North Korean troops, lacking combat experience and facing severe cultural and language barriers, have been involved in incidents of friendly fire. Their role was to support Russian infantry after North Korea sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to the region.
Parts of Kursk were unexpectedly captured by the Ukrainian army last summer, but Russian forces are regaining control, aiming to secure the region by January 20, possibly before peace talks under a new US administration.
Source: NOS