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North Korean Troops Disappear from Ukrainian Frontlines
North Korean troops vanish from Ukraine battlefield after heavy casualties, reports South Korea's NIS. Experts warn reinforcements may follow as fighting intensifies.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-06
North Korean Troops Disappear from Ukrainian Frontlines

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have disappeared from the battlefield, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Since mid-January, no signs of North Korean troops have been detected in the Russian Kursk region, where they were previously deployed to combat Ukraine’s counterinvasion efforts.

Heavy Casualties Among North Koreans

An estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk in December 2024. Reports suggest that nearly 3,000 North Koreans have been killed or wounded, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy placing the figure even higher at 4,000.

Ukrainian commanders revealed that North Korean troops were used to spearhead attacks and were allegedly ordered to end their own lives rather than be captured. Some reports suggest they were even shot by their own side.

Zelenskyy has warned that up to 25,000 additional North Korean troops may be en route to Kursk. Experts agree that North Korean reinforcements are likely.

Intensifying Battlefield Losses

Russia is also experiencing severe losses. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence reported 48,240 Russian casualties last month, with 7,000 deaths in the fierce battle for the eastern town of Pokrovsk.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia's territorial gains have diminished despite heavy casualties, capturing only 498 square kilometers in January compared to 593 square kilometers in December.

Ukraine’s Manpower Challenges

Ukraine is facing its own challenges, with reports indicating the country has paused efforts to build 12 new brigades. Instead, Ukraine is preparing to deploy 50,000 reservists to reinforce frontline units.

"We need to do this to launch the rotation mechanism," an unnamed source told Ukrainska Pravda.

Airstrikes and Drone Attacks

Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian civilians, launching 46 missiles and 123 drones in a single weekend. One missile struck an apartment building in Poltava, killing 14 people and injuring 22.

Ukraine, in response, has targeted Russian refineries and command bunkers. Drones struck Volgograd's Lukoil refinery and the Astrakhan gas condensate plant, disrupting production.

Ukraine’s Strained Alliance with the U.S.

Despite continued support from European nations, including Sweden and Finland, Ukraine's relationship with the U.S. has become strained under President Trump.

Trump announced that continued military aid would be conditional on Ukraine providing access to its rare earth minerals. "We're looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things," he said.

Analysts warn that these demands could further complicate Ukraine's efforts to sustain its defence against Russia’s aggression.

As the war continues to evolve, the absence of North Korean forces and shifts in international support may have significant implications for the conflict's outcome.
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