An estimated 12,000 North Korean troops have joined Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, helping Moscow advance several kilometers despite facing challenges with modern warfare tactics, according to military experts and Ukrainian officials.
The North Korean contingent, which includes members of the 94th Separate Brigade, is operating alongside Russian paratroopers in assault missions near the Ukrainian border. Russia reportedly pays over $2,000 per North Korean soldier, though the payment distribution between individual troops and Pyongyang remains unclear.
Recent casualty reports paint a sobering picture - South Korean sources indicate at least 100 North Korean troops have been killed and 1,200 wounded, while U.S. officials estimate several hundred casualties overall. These losses stem partly from their inexperience with contemporary battlefield technology, particularly drone warfare.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the North Korean forces' vulnerability to drones. While some Western analysts point to drone attacks as a major weakness, Ukrainian Special Forces personnel report that Russian electronic warfare systems effectively shield North Korean positions from aerial reconnaissance.
The North Korean troops demonstrate distinct tactical approaches, moving in well-spaced formations and operating cohesively in larger numbers compared to Ukrainian or Russian units. Their physical fitness and quick maneuverability have been noted by Ukrainian observers on the ground.
The deployment appears mutually beneficial - Russia gains additional manpower while North Korea potentially gains access to advanced military technology and battlefield experience. Intelligence sources suggest Pyongyang is already improving its ballistic missile capabilities by studying Russian operations in Ukraine.
Since September, Ukraine has gradually lost ground in Kursk Oblast, surrendering over 40% of previously captured territory. The area under Ukrainian control has shrunk to less than 500 square kilometers - roughly equivalent to Chicago's size.
Military analysts are closely watching whether this North Korean deployment represents a one-time occurrence or signals the beginning of larger-scale involvement. For now, Russian forces appear focused on using these troops specifically for reclaiming Kursk Oblast rather than deploying them more broadly across Ukrainian territory.