North Korean troops appear to have temporarily pulled back from the frontline in Russia after suffering heavy losses, according to a Ukrainian special forces commander. The commander, who goes by the codename “Puls”, said Kim Jong Un’s men were likely either learning lessons from mistakes made during their first clashes with Ukrainian soldiers or tending to their wounded.
The North Koreans’ initial lack of awareness about threats from drones and artillery led them to attack in groups of 20-60 men, making themselves easy targets. They also engaged in “brainwashing”, pushing forward despite being under Ukrainian fire and comrades being killed and wounded around them.
In an effort to remove evidence of their presence, North Korean soldiers were spotted trying to recover the wounded and dead. However, they refused to be taken alive, with reports suggesting they blew themselves up with grenades rather than risk capture.
The Ukrainian troops also observed poor coordination between North Korean and Russian forces due to a language barrier. The North Koreans’ kit was better than some Russian forces, but they lacked heavy armor and relied on golf buggies for ammunition transport.
Puls described the North Koreans as “far more disciplined” with exceptional morale and determination, noting that they were “completely brainwashed”. He believes Kim Jong Un is likely sending more troops to bolster their lines in the Kursk region.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/north-koreans-blow-themselves-up-with-grenades-rather-than-risk-capture-say-ukraine-soldiers-13297508