Ukrainian forces claim ‘significant’ casualties among North Korean troops deployed in the Kursk region of Russia. This claim, while seemingly significant, raises questions about the actual scale of losses and the overall impact of North Korean involvement in the conflict.
The reports suggest a stark mismatch between the capabilities of the North Korean soldiers and the realities of modern warfare. Poorly equipped, inadequately trained, and lacking experience in a large-scale conflict, these soldiers are essentially being thrown into a meat grinder. Their outdated tactics, unfamiliar with modern drone warfare and precision artillery, leave them extremely vulnerable. The lack of advanced healthcare and nutritional deficiencies within North Korea further exacerbate their disadvantages on the battlefield.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence estimates that approximately 200 Russian and North Korean soldiers, fighting in combined units, have been killed in combat against Ukrainian forces. North Korean soldiers, integrated into Russian Marine Corps and airborne units, have reportedly suffered significant losses, partly due to communication barriers leading to friendly fire incidents. These casualties were confirmed through statements and photographic evidence released by Ukrainian authorities. President Zelenskyy warned of potential expansion of North Korean troop deployment along the front lines.
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In a recent address, President Zelenskyy reported Ukrainian military losses of 43,000 dead and 370,000 wounded since the war’s outset, noting that roughly half of the wounded have returned to duty. He contrasted these figures with significantly higher estimated Russian losses—over 750,000, comprising 198,000 dead and over 550,000 wounded—claiming a recent kill ratio of five or six Russian soldiers for every Ukrainian soldier. Furthermore, 3,767 Ukrainian soldiers have been returned from Russian captivity. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a lasting peace secured by guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
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Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported record Russian losses in November, exceeding those of September and October. These losses included over 45,000 personnel—equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions—and over $3 billion in destroyed equipment, including hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles. A single day in November saw a record high of 2,030 Russian casualties. Cumulative Russian losses since February 24, 2022, were reported to be approximately 742,130 soldiers.
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North Korea maintains strict secrecy surrounding its troops’ casualties in Russia, with families receiving minimal information and the public remaining unaware. The government treats fallen soldiers as expendable, prioritizing regime security over individual lives. This secrecy extends to the troops’ deployment itself, enforced through censorship and the threat of punishment under the 2023 State Secrets Protection Law. Meanwhile, the elite Storm Corps, known for rigorous training simulating South Korean infiltration, continues its operations, fueling concerns of potential future aggression.
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RBC Ukraine, citing Global Defense Corp., reported that a Ukrainian Storm Shadow missile strike in Russia’s Kursk region resulted in the deaths of approximately 500 North Korean soldiers. This follows reports from South Korean and U.S. officials indicating the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The reported casualties highlight the potential escalation of the conflict and the involvement of previously unconfirmed foreign combatants. The accuracy of the reported death toll remains unverified.
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Mediazona, a Russian independent media outlet, and BBC Russia have identified the names of 77,143 Russian soldiers killed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, based on publicly available information. This figure is likely a significant undercount, as it only reflects verified data from sources such as obituaries and official reports. The casualties have increased substantially in recent months, with October marking the deadliest month for Russian forces. The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia may be linked to these losses, with President Zelensky confirming their presence and casualties in Kursk Oblast. The average age of volunteer recruits killed in action is increasing, with a plurality falling between 48 and 50 years old. The bloodiest day for Russian forces was May 13th, with an estimated 1,740 casualties.
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Russia losing 1,210 soldiers and 60 artillery systems in one day – the numbers are shocking, to say the least. As I read through the news and various comments, a wave of emotions washes over me. The sheer magnitude of the losses, the young lives cut short, the families left devastated – it’s heartbreaking. It’s no longer just numbers on a page, but real people, real sacrifices.
The predictions of Russia’s military expertise and equipment being obliterated in the earlier stages of the war have sadly come to fruition. The rate of loss has increased dramatically, with no end in sight.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker