North Korea faces first losses in Russian conflict, 200 dead
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, North Korea has suffered its first losses in Russia. Moscow's ally has already lost about 200 soldiers.
North Korea, whose soldiers are supporting Russian forces in the Kursk region, has experienced its first losses. Ukrainian intelligence reports that approximately 200 North Korean soldiers were killed as a result of kamikaze drone (FPV) attacks carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Russians have begun using Korean soldiers to support assault operations in the Kursk region. Now, Ukrainian intelligence reports that North Korea has already suffered its first losses as a result. This support is utilized in the Russian Armed Forces' marine infantry units and airborne divisions.
"As of December 14 at 7:00 AM Eastern Time, losses for units with North Korean personnel amount to about 200 soldiers," the statement reads. Intelligence also highlights that a significant barrier to conducting joint military operations for the Koreans is the language barrier, which hinders coordination during troop deployments on the front.
The Ukrainians point out that due to communication difficulties between soldiers from Russia and North Korea, there has recently been "friendly fire" against the Russians, resulting in the death of eight soldiers. In addition, Korean soldiers are deprived of phones and all electronic devices to prevent Ukrainian intelligence from gathering valuable information.
Let's recall that according to Michael Kofman, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, North Korea has now become a direct participant in the war and is the largest supplier of ammunition to Russia. Furthermore, Moscow's ally supports the aggressor's forces with armored weaponry and manpower, deploying over 10,000 soldiers.
In addition to the soldiers sent to Russia from North Korea, Pyongyang supports Moscow with unconventional equipment. The list of weapons sent includes, among others, M1989 "Koksan" artillery systems, which are self-propelled constructions with a 6.7-inch caliber cannon. These are among the most powerful machines in North Korea's arsenal, capable of hitting targets up to 37 miles away.
