Ukraine says that North Korean troops are losing soldiers in Kursk. This happens as tensions rise from military ties with Russia.
- About 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded in Kursk.
- Ukraine reports the first casualties since North Korea sent troops.
- Language barriers make it hard for North Korean and Russian forces to cooperate.
- Putin stresses the need for more security due to rising tensions.
- Historical context: Ukraine’s first occupation of Russian land since WWII.
North Korean Soldier Casualties in the Ukraine Conflict
Ukraine’s military intelligence reported serious fighting over the weekend in Russia’s Kursk area, leading to injuries and deaths among North Korean soldiers.
About 30 North Korean troops were either killed or hurt, which is the first time losses have been reported since North Korea sent around 10,000 soldiers to support Russia in its fight against Ukraine.
Casualties and Fighting: The Ukrainian agency GUR stated that the injuries happened near three villages in Kursk during Russian efforts to stop a Ukrainian attack.
In another village, three North Korean soldiers have gone missing. The reasons for their disappearance are unclear. This raises concerns about where they are and if they are safe.
Kremlin reaction: Although other sources have not confirmed Ukraine’s claims, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has instructed reporters to contact the Russian Defense Ministry, which has not yet responded.
North Korea’s Support: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shown strong backing for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, which is part of a mutual defense agreement.
Geopolitical Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out increasing global threats, especially with the plan to place U.S. missiles in Europe and Asia. He mentioned that Russia needs to take extra security steps for itself and its allies to prevent an arms race.
However, military experts say that a major language barrier makes it hard for Russian and North Korean troops to work together, complicating their combat efforts.
The Institute for the Study of War has warned that these communication problems might cause issues during military operations in the Kursk area.
Historical Context
This conflict is a key moment in the war in Ukraine. In August, Ukrainian forces took control of parts of Russia’s Kursk border area, which hasn’t happened since World War II.
While this move challenged Moscow, it didn’t significantly change the overall situation of the war. Despite some difficulties, Russia continues to take a strong approach in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donetsk region.
Russian Claims of Progress
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that Russian forces have been making steady gains in Ukraine, claiming they are capturing about 30 square kilometers of land each day.