Ukrainian forces killed three North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region and seized their falsified Russian military IDs, revealing Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict. These documents, bearing Russian names and birthplaces but Korean signatures, underscore Russia’s attempts to conceal foreign troop losses. US and South Korean intelligence estimates suggest thousands of North Korean soldiers have been deployed, suffering substantial casualties, with reports ranging from several hundred to over a thousand killed or wounded. Ukraine alleges Russia is actively concealing these losses, including claims of body burning and rapid body removal from the battlefield.
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A new report from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reveals that at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 1,000 wounded fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. These troops, deployed primarily as front-line infantry, reportedly lack essential capabilities like drone countermeasures, prompting complaints from the Russian military. Further, intelligence suggests Kim Jong Un is preparing a specialized unit for deployment to Ukraine. This deployment of North Korean troops has been characterized as “cannon fodder” by experts, with President Zelensky highlighting the unnecessary sacrifice of North Korean lives in the conflict.
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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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In three days of fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported eliminating 50 North Korean soldiers and wounding 47 more, supported by FPV drone footage. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to the region by Russia, with Ukrainian sources claiming significant casualties during ground assaults. While the full extent of losses remains unclear due to reported Russian obfuscation, the Pentagon independently confirmed North Korean combat participation and casualties. These actions by the 8th Special Forces Regiment targeted not only personnel but also several pieces of military equipment.
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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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On December 14th, Ukraine’s HUR reported a “friendly fire” incident in Kursk Oblast, where North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia killed eight Russian Chechen soldiers due to a language barrier. This incident, along with an estimated 200 total deaths among combined North Korean and Russian units, highlights communication challenges stemming from the deployment of North Korean troops. Prior warnings of over 10,000 North Korean troops massing in the region, and the implementation of Russian military protocols to manage this deployment, underscore the increasing involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict. The incident represents one of the first reported direct clashes between North Korean and Ukrainian forces.
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Fourteen North Korean individuals have been indicted in a St. Louis federal court for a six-year scheme generating at least $88 million for the North Korean regime. The conspiracy involved thousands of North Korean IT workers using stolen identities to obtain remote work with US firms, employing extortion and data theft to maximize profits. These “IT Warriors” allegedly worked for Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, demanding $10,000 monthly salaries and additional funds through blackmail. While the indicted individuals are unlikely to face justice, a $5 million reward is offered for information leading to their capture and further details about the operation.
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Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” campaign targets North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia, utilizing leaflets and videos to encourage surrender. These materials, distributed along the front lines, provide instructions on how to safely surrender and highlight potential benefits such as shelter and food. The campaign, initially focused on Russian soldiers, leverages the possibility of escape from Kim Jong Un’s regime as an incentive. Reports suggest up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia’s war effort, prompting Ukraine’s psychological operation.
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One hundred elite dairy goats from Saint Petersburg have been shipped to North Korea via Khasan, Russia, as part of an ongoing exchange of livestock between the two countries. This shipment follows previous deliveries of horses and cows, totaling over 2,200 animals since November 2022. The animals are believed to aid in alleviating North Korea’s food shortages, potentially as compensation for North Korean troop deployment to Russia. These livestock transfers, alongside other animal gifts, symbolize the strengthening relationship between the Russian and North Korean regimes.
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Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, revealed that Russia will provide North Korea with MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets in exchange for the thousands of North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. These Soviet-era aircraft, while not modern, represent a significant addition to North Korea’s air power. This exchange follows reports of North Korean troop deployments to the Kursk region and further underscores the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, a development that has alarmed the U.S. and its allies. This cooperation raises concerns about potential technology transfers to North Korea’s weapons programs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker