Fighting over control of Kursk is causing casualties for North Korean allies, with Ukrainians targeting around 30 in recent days
Ukraine revealed that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops suffered heavy casualties during last weekend’s fighting in Kursk.
North Korean units, which arrived in Kursk in November, were involved in attacks that took place this weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defense intelligence service.
Ukraine reports that around 30 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in the fighting. Three others went missing during clashes near Plekhovo, Vorozhba and Martynovka, which are close to the border.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick S. Ryder has already confirmed that North Koreans suffered casualties in the Kursk region. “We have indications that they suffered casualties, both dead and injured.” Still, no details were provided about the number of casualties.
Ryder explained that North Korean soldiers serving Russia are being used, mainly, “in infantry roles”. “These forces are legitimate military targets for the Ukrainians as they are engaged in active combat operations.”
The Ukrainian frontline drone unit posted a video on Sunday that would show the bodies of more than 20 North Korean soldiers lined up on a frozen field. However, the low quality of the video did not allow verifying their respective identities.
Another drone video, geolocated by CNN, near Plekhovo, showed soldiers who were reportedly retreating last weekend, transporting some of their casualties on sleds. It was unclear whether they were Russians or North Koreans.
Another Ukrainian unit reported that the North Koreans – who wear different uniforms to the Russians – launched infantry attacks using “the same techniques as 70 years ago.”
Already last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that North Korean troops sent to Kursk were involved in the fighting, with losses resulting from the clashes.
Ukraine estimates that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are in the Kursk region helping Russian units recover territory following the Ukrainian offensive in August.
It is unclear which side currently controls the village of Plekhovo.
