North Korean Troops Withdraw from Ukraine Frontlines Following Heavy Losses
Reports indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers, deployed under a military pact with Russia, have been pulled back from combat in the Kursk region after significant casualties.
- North Korean soldiers were deployed in the Kursk region of Russia in November 2024 as part of a military agreement between Pyongyang and Moscow to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukrainian officials report that these troops have not been observed at the frontlines for approximately two to three weeks, suggesting a withdrawal due to heavy losses.
- Estimates suggest that 12,000 North Korean soldiers were stationed in the region, with reports of up to 3,800 killed or wounded during their deployment.
- Military experts suggest that poor integration into Russian forces, language barriers, and tactical mismanagement, such as deploying elite troops as basic infantry, contributed to the high casualty rate.
- While the withdrawal may be temporary, reports indicate North Korea could be preparing to send additional troops or retrain existing forces for future operations.
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