North Korean troops have withdrawn after suffering heavy losses along the front line in the Kursk region of Russia. This strategic retreat could be a calm before the storm, as they either analyze their mistakes on the battlefield or await reinforcements. Ukrainian soldiers describe how inexperienced North Korean soldiers were trained but attacked in groups “as if it were World War II.” The northerners, who have become the easiest targets on the front line, are being easily neutralised by Ukrainian troops.
North Korean troops have temporarily withdrawn after suffering heavy losses on the front line in the Kursk region of Russia, according to Sky News. A commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Kim Jong Un’s army was either analysing mistakes on the battlefield, treating the wounded or awaiting reinforcements.
The strategic withdrawal may be marking “the calm before the storm”.
“THEY ARE FIGHTING LIKE IN WORLD WAR II” Ukrainian fighters have described in detail how North Korean soldiers are fighting in Russian territory. Ukrainian military personnel say the North Korean army is attacking on foot in groups of 20-60 men “like in World War II”, making them easy targets. For example, they are not informed about threats from drones and artillery.
“CLEARING UP EVIDENCE OF THEIR PRESENCE” North Korean soldiers are advancing despite being under fire and seeing comrades killed and injured around them. They are constantly clearing up evidence of their presence on the battlefield. Some soldiers have blown themselves up with grenades to avoid capture. A Ukrainian commander claimed that one of them shouted “For General Kim Jong-un!” before committing suicide.
“NO COORDINATION, HITING THE WRONG TARGETS” North Korean and Russian forces are struggling to coordinate because of the language barrier. Ukrainian intelligence intercepts showed that the North Koreans were mistakenly targeting Russian positions. The North Korean army is better equipped than many Russians: they have state-of-the-art rifles and uniforms. But the North Korean fighters lack heavy armor because they only move on foot.
YOUNG AND WELL-GROUNDBITE OF SOLDIERS BEING TRAINED The Ukrainian commander said the soldiers were “clean-shaven and well-groomed,” their ages were difficult to determine, and they were all between the ages of 25 and 35-40. According to the American newspaper The New York Times, Russia has assembled a group of 50,000 soldiers for a counterattack in the Kursk region. The North Koreans are being trained in artillery strikes, basic infantry tactics and, most importantly, trench clearing.
