- North Korean troops returned to the battlefield alongside Russian forces after disappearing for weeks. The nation’s forces have suffered heavy casualties.
- A Ukrainian platoon commander told local media Wednesday, while Pyongyang’s soldiers are back, they’re returning in smaller units.
- The commander stated that North Korean fighters currently operate in units of 10 to 15 soldiers rather than in groups of 50.
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North Korean troops have returned to the battlefield alongside Russian forces after disappearing from the front lines for weeks. The nation’s forces have suffered heavy casualties while fighting with Moscow.
What’s changed?
While Pyongyang’s soldiers are back, a Ukrainian platoon commander told local media Wednesday, Feb. 26, that they’re returning in smaller units.
Local media reported that North Korean fighters now operate in units of 10 to 15 soldiers as opposed to previously working in groups of 50.
Why have their tactics changed?
It’s likely that tactics have changed after learning from the first wave of North Koreans on the front lines, who were primarily used in meat-wave style attacks and were easily targeted by Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine stated that of the 12,000 soldiers North Korea initially sent to fight for Russia, approximately 4,000 are now considered casualties.
Despite the significant losses, North Korea has reportedly sent more soldiers, though the exact number remains unknown.
How have Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un responded?
North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un has never publicly acknowledged his troops are in Russia.
Vladimir Putin has also remained quiet on the issue.
What does it mean for the war in Ukraine?
Pyongyang is now Moscow’s largest arms dealer, providing Russian forces with rockets and artillery shells.
Ukrainian forces also stated that some ballistic missiles launched from North Korea are more accurate than earlier versions.
Some in Ukraine think it is possible North Korea’s KN-23 ballistic missiles became more accurate with the help of Russian specialists through “modernization work.”
What’s the latest on the war?
The increasing reliance on Pyongyang for reinforcements and resupply comes as Moscow claimed it regained around 64% of the territory it lost to Ukraine during the surprise Kursk incursion last year.
