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North Koreans at the front for Russia: ‘Cannon fodder’ in the war against Ukraine

Pyongyang soldiers deployed in Russian assaults. ‘Friendly’ clash between soldiers, killed Chechen battalion members Akhmat

In the war between Russia and Ukraine, North Korean soldiers are now being used by Vladimir Putin’s forces, according to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The troops supplied by Kim Jong-un are used in military operations in the Kursk region, where fighting is intense and often conducted using traditional tactics. This use of the North Korean military has led to significant losses, with at least 200 Asian soldiers already killed in battle. Zelensky stated, ‘We have evidence of their significant losses and we have documented their presence.’

The role of North Korean soldiers in the war

Kim Jong-un has sent at least 11,000 troops to support Russia, and their use on the battlefield looks set to grow. So far, these forces have been deployed mainly in the Kursk region, but President Zelensky has warned that their deployment could expand to other areas of the frontline. Putin’s decision to involve North Korean troops is seen as further escalating the conflict, expanding the scope and duration of the war. Zelensky pointed out that Russia is trying to drag more nations into the conflict: ‘Putin is taking steps to prolong the war and create more problems, including in Asia.’

Tensions between mixed units: incidents between North Korean and Chechen troops

Communication difficulties between Russian units and North Korean troops have already led to serious incidents. Ukrainian sources reported that, due to poor coordination, North Korean soldiers allegedly opened fire on their Chechen allies from the Akhmat battalion, resulting in the death of eight Chechen soldiers. This episode highlights the operational difficulties in integrating these new troops into the Russian front.

Ukraine does not change strategy

Despite the addition of North Korean soldiers to the conflict, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine will continue to defend itself with the same determination. He reiterated the importance of cooperation with international partners to stop the escalation of the war: ‘We will defend ourselves, including against the North Koreans, and we will continue to work together with our allies to stop this war and achieve a peace backed by guarantees.’

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