By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukrainian forces report significant North Korean troop losses in the Kursk region, with both Russian and North Korean commanders viewing them as expendable, resulting in heavy casualties and a lack of protection. The US estimates over 1,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded last week alone. Simultaneously, the US plans to deliver further military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems, while Slovakia offers to host potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a proposition raising concerns in Kyiv. Finally, Ukraine received its first US LNG shipment, bolstering its energy independence.
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The use of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war represents a disturbing escalation, with reports suggesting a “human wave” tactic is being employed, sending soldiers to their deaths with minimal support. The sheer scale of losses is alarming, with estimates exceeding a thousand casualties in a single week. This underscores the expendable nature of these soldiers in the eyes of both Russian and North Korean leadership.
This isn’t simply a matter of sending poorly trained soldiers into battle. While the North Korean army’s overall combat effectiveness has been historically questionable, there’s evidence suggesting that some of these troops are drawn from elite units, trained in infiltration and other specialized skills. Even these elite forces are reportedly suffering catastrophic losses, highlighting the brutal and ultimately futile nature of the “human wave” approach.
The rationale behind this strategy appears to be multifaceted. For Russia, it’s a way to preserve its own dwindling resources, both in terms of manpower and equipment. By using North Korean soldiers as cannon fodder, Russia can avoid further mobilizing its own population, especially in major cities where opposition to the war may be stronger. Meanwhile, North Korea might see this as a way to reduce its own population burden, albeit a horrifically inhumane one, given the ongoing economic hardships in the country.
The Ukrainian perspective paints a grim picture of the fighting. Reports indicate that Russian forces are providing minimal to no protection to their North Korean allies, leaving them vulnerable to significant casualties. There are also accounts of wounded North Korean soldiers dying after capture, due to factors such as neglect and lack of medical attention. This aligns with the broader strategy of treating these soldiers as entirely expendable.
US assessments echo this assessment of expendability. American officials have described the North Korean soldiers as being deliberately sacrificed in hopeless attacks, directly reflecting a cynical calculation by the generals orchestrating these operations. This underlines the sheer disregard for human life at the heart of this strategy.
The situation is further complicated by the political ramifications. While Slovakia has offered to host peace talks, this prospect raises concerns in Kyiv about the possibility of a settlement unfavorable to Ukraine. This highlights the wider geopolitical context of the conflict and the ongoing struggle for diplomatic resolution. The ongoing provision of military aid to Ukraine by the US, including critical air defense systems, signifies a commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against this onslaught.
The deployment of North Korean troops also underscores a chilling shift in the nature of the conflict. It represents a descent into a more brutal and arguably even more desperate phase of the war. The implications for future conflicts are equally disturbing, illustrating the potential for the exploitation of vulnerable populations in future wars.
Ultimately, the “human wave” tactic, while perhaps demonstrating a short-term tactical “success” for Russia in terms of inflicting casualties and tying up Ukrainian forces, is a deeply morally reprehensible strategy. The massive loss of life, both Ukrainian and North Korean, is a tragic illustration of the devastating human cost of the war in Ukraine. The long-term strategic consequences for all parties involved remain uncertain, but the immediate implications of this reckless use of human lives are undeniably catastrophic. The human toll is staggering, and the strategic implications are deeply troubling.