Several thousand North Korean soldiers have arrived in the western part of Russia's Kursk region to participate in an upcoming counteroffensive aimed at pushing out Ukrainian forces, which have occupied part of the region since August, reported The New York Times citing Ukrainian and American officials. They noted that the North Korean troops have not yet engaged in combat, and it is unclear what role they will play. However, any additional contingent will allow Russia to keep more of its forces in eastern Ukraine, where they can focus on capturing even more Ukrainian territory before winter sets in.
For several weeks, the governments of South Korea and Ukraine have warned that thousands of North Koreans are training alongside Russian soldiers, with Ukraine citing a figure of up to 12,000 troops. This week, American officials confirmed that a contingent of North Korean troops was transported by ship to Vladivostok. Beyond immediate combat plans, the US and its allies are concerned that North Korea may receive military technology in exchange for its military assistance
On Wednesday, the first North Korean troops were delivered on Il-76 transport planes to a military airfield in western Russia. A senior Ukrainian official, informed about the troop movements, told NYT that 5,000 North Korean soldiers are expected to arrive by Monday.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing his intelligence services, stated that North Korean troops would be deployed to the battlefield as early as next week. "This is an obvious escalation step by Russia," Zelensky said.
As NYT notes, North Korean troops have not participated in wars since the 1950s, and there are questions about the capabilities of even elite units. Before they even reach the battlefield, they will have to face a language barrier, unfamiliar terrain, and military customs that may differ significantly from their own.
Ukrainian troops entered the Kursk region in early August, and throughout October, Russian forces intensified attacks on Ukrainian positions in the region, reclaiming part of the territory and several settlements.
Photo: AP