North Korean troops are actively fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, employing massed foot assaults that have resulted in heavy casualties, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. The development underscores Russia’s escalating reliance on foreign military support as its war in Ukraine drags into its third winter.
Human Wave Tactics and Rising Casualties
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kirby described the North Korean units’ approach as “massed dismounted assaults,” a strategy reliant on infantry attacks despite their apparent futility.
“These soldiers are highly indoctrinated, pushing attacks even when it is clear they are futile,” Kirby said, noting that some North Korean troops are reportedly dying by suicide, possibly due to fears of reprisals against their families if they are captured.
While the tactics are causing significant losses for North Korean forces, they have allowed Russia to make “plodding progress” in parts of eastern Ukraine. However, the human cost has been immense, with South Korea’s spy agency estimating at least 11,000 North Korean troops deployed and casualties — both dead and injured — numbering in the thousands.
Russia’s Continued Offensive Against Ukraine
Russia has simultaneously intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to weaken the country’s resilience during the harsh winter months. Despite this, Ukrainian forces remain steadfast, holding key positions in the Kursk region after a summer offensive that reclaimed several cities near the border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed earlier this month that North Korean troops had been organized into battalions to support Russian efforts in Kursk. Their deployment represents a significant shift in Russia’s war strategy, marking the first time in decades that foreign troops have been used to defend Russian soil.
U.S. Response and Military Aid
The U.S. has condemned Russia’s alliance with North Korea and is preparing additional security assistance for Ukraine to counter the increased pressure. Kirby reiterated that the U.S. maintains its restrictions on the use of donated weapons, prohibiting Ukraine from targeting Russian territory directly, whether the forces involved are Russian or North Korean.
“It remains deeply troubling that Putin has decided to use foreign troops on Russian soil to defend that soil,” Kirby said, adding a grim warning: “I hope they’re loading up their commanders with a bunch of body bags because they’re clearly going to need them.”
Geopolitical Implications
The involvement of North Korean troops highlights the growing collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns among global security experts. This alliance could further destabilize the region, especially as North Korea reportedly increases its military support to Russia in exchange for economic and technological aid.
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