How North Korean Losses In Ukraine Impacts Russia’s Tactics

North Korean flag with red rockets in foreground.

North Korean troops suffer casualties in Ukraine, highlighting Russia’s expanding alliances in the ongoing conflict.

At a Glance

Around 30 North Korean troops killed or wounded in Russia’s Kursk border region
First reported North Korean casualties in the nearly 3-year war
North Korea supporting Russia under mutual defense pact
Language barriers causing coordination issues between Russian and North Korean forces
South Korea expresses concern over North Korea gaining military experience

North Korean Troops Enter the Fray

Ukraine’s military intelligence has reported that approximately 30 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk border region. This marks the first verified North Korean casualties in the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine, signaling a significant escalation in the war’s international dimensions.

The presence of North Korean troops in the Ukrainian conflict stems from a mutual defense pact between North Korea and Russia. Under this agreement, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged support for Russia’s invasion. However, the integration of these forces has not been without challenges.

Preliminary data indicates that Russia has begun using a significant number of North Korean soldiers in its assaults. These troops are being integrated into combined units and deployed in operations within the Kursk region. For now, their involvement is limited to this area, but… pic.twitter.com/7vBp4VAJlR

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 14, 2024

Challenges in Coordination

Military observers have noted significant difficulties in coordination between Russian and North Korean troops, primarily due to language barriers. These communication issues have led to operational friction, potentially impacting the effectiveness of joint military efforts.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, “The poor integration and ongoing communication problems between Russian and North Korean forces will likely continue to cause friction in Russian military operations in Kursk … in the near term.”

Despite these challenges, Russia has reportedly assembled a force of 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, to reclaim territory in the Kursk region. This move underscores Russia’s determination to maintain its offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, despite heavy losses.

North Korean Motivations and Capabilities

The North Korean troops involved in the conflict are believed to be from the elite 11th Corps, known for their training in infiltration, sabotage, and assassinations. While these soldiers lack combat experience, they are reportedly physically and mentally resilient, having undergone additional training from Russian forces. This includes being “trained to withstand a high degree of physical pain and psychological torture” according to Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea from the Stimson Center in Washington.

North Korea’s involvement in the conflict is seen as a strategic move to earn money and gain access to Russian military technology. This cooperation has raised concerns in South Korea about the potential for North Korea to acquire valuable military experience and capabilities, especially given the heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.

International Implications

The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine has significant geopolitical implications. South Korea has expressed grave concern over the pact between North Korea and Russia, which pledges mutual assistance in case of aggression. In response, South Korea is considering a potential policy shift to aid Ukraine for defensive purposes.

“For North Korea, [such deployments are] a good way to earn money,” said Andrei Lankov, director of the Korea Risk Group.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the involvement of North Korean troops adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate geopolitical landscape. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies in the ongoing war.