North Korea’s soldiers who joined forces with Russia to battle Ukrainian forces have been pulled off the front lines after suffering heavy casualties, according to Ukrainian and US officials. The decision comes after around 11,000 North Korean troops arrived in Russia in November, sparking alarm among Ukraine and its Western allies.
The North Koreans suffered significant losses as their ranks were reduced by half in just three months, with Ukrainian forces describing them as fierce warriors but also noting disorganization and a lack of cohesion with Russian units. The soldiers have been advancing without sufficient armored vehicles or regrouping capabilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted on holding the Kursk region for as long as possible to use it as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations. However, the prolonged conflict is taking a toll on Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, who has vowed to expel Ukrainian forces but has been hesitant to divert troops from main Russian operations.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un proposed sending troops to assist Russia in Kursk, which Mr. Putin quickly accepted. The North Koreans’ participation has been marked by heavy casualties, with many of the soldiers being used as foot soldiers despite their training and skills.
The US says it’s uncertain whether the withdrawal will be permanent and that the North Koreans could return after receiving additional training or new deployment strategies. However, the conflict in Kursk is far from over, with Ukrainian forces launching a new offensive but facing heavy Russian defenses.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/world/europe/north-korea-troops-ukraine-russia.html