Ukraine’s military intelligence reported heavy losses and logistical problems, including water shortages, for North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, following Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka. President Zelenskyy estimated 3,000 North Korean casualties, while Russia continues its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a Christmas morning barrage and attacks throughout the week. Amidst this ongoing conflict, Russia threatens further use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, while Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes targeting Russian military production facilities.
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Following a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, President Zelenskyy announced that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Kursk Oblast. This estimate stems from preliminary data following a December 23rd staff meeting. The President highlighted the escalating risk of regional destabilization due to the growing Moscow-Pyongyang partnership. He further emphasized the global threat posed by the transfer of Russian military technology and expertise to North Korea.
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A joint investigation by BBC Russia and Mediazona has identified 84,761 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, a figure likely far lower than the actual number. This count, compiled from publicly available sources, shows over 20,000 confirmed deaths in the past year alone, potentially making 2024 the deadliest yet. These findings contrast with Western estimates exceeding 750,000 Russian military losses, including Ukrainian figures of 772,280 troops lost since the invasion’s start. Moscow’s refusal to release casualty figures is highlighted by a recent admission of 48,000 requests to identify missing soldiers.
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A senior US military official reported that several hundred North Korean troops have suffered casualties, ranging from light wounds to fatalities, while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. These inexperienced soldiers, deployed as part of a larger reinforcement effort, are reportedly suffering heavy losses against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows a strengthened military pact between North Korea and Russia. The revelation comes amidst ongoing concerns about the future of US military aid to Ukraine under the incoming administration.
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President Zelenskyy reported that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces, and preliminary data indicates Russia is attempting to hide the extent of resulting North Korean casualties. Ukrainian forces have documented the deaths of North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast, including an incident of friendly fire against Chechen troops. Intelligence suggests significant losses for North Korean units in mid-December, with estimates reaching at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded. The President emphasized the senselessness of North Korean deaths in this conflict.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood