In the ruthless battlegrounds of Ukraine, North Korean soldiers face alarming adversities, leading to dire circumstances.
At a Glance
- North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region are experiencing heavy losses and limited support.
- Over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have recently been reported killed or wounded.
- The Biden administration prepares to offer Ukraine military assistance.
- North Korean soldiers resort to suicide to avoid capture due to potential severe repercussions.
Dire Situation for North Korean Troops
North Korean soldiers, recruited to support Russian forces in Ukraine, face a bleak scenario on the battlefield. The challenging conditions in the Kursk region have resulted in significant casualties among these troops, reportedly reaching over 1,000 deaths, according to statements by the US National Security Council.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the tragic fate of the North Korean soldiers: “Their losses are significant, very significant,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine war briefing: ‘Human wave’ of North Korean troops being sent to their deaths, says US https://t.co/xjZi3rpx3u
— Benedict Rogers 羅傑斯 (@benedictrogers) December 28, 2024
Human Wave Tactics and Suicides
The strategic use of “human wave” attacks has further exacerbated the plight of these soldiers. John Kirby from the US National Security Council described the tactics, stating, “North Korean troops are being treated as “expendable” and ordered to take on “hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses,” Kirby said.
“Their own people are executing them,” Zelenskyy noted, shedding light on the internal threats North Korean troops encounter from their comrades.
Amid supply shortages and constant threats, some North Korean soldiers have resorted to suicide, driven by fear of punishment in their homeland for perceived failures on the battlefield.
North Korean troops are launching "human wave" attacks against entrenched Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region in Russia, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Friday. https://t.co/eISafWdHjm
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 27, 2024
International Response and Possible Peace Talks
The involvement of North Korean troops has prompted reactions from multiple international parties. The Biden administration’s forthcoming military aid package to Ukraine showcases a commitment to bolster Ukrainian defenses against such assaults.
Meanwhile, Slovakia’s offer to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia remains open, despite potential concessions regarding these discussions. “If someone wants to organize peace talks in Slovakia, we will be ready and hospitable,” Robert Fico stated.
Despite these developments, the deployment of North Korean soldiers and the external support extended to them continue without public acknowledgment by Russian or North Korean official sources.
