Publish: 12:05, 12 Jan, 2025

N Korean troops boost combat skills in Ukraine, strengthen Russia ties

Online Desk
N Korean troops boost combat skills in Ukraine, strengthen Russia ties
Photo - Collected

Ukrainian forces have been confronting an unfamiliar enemy on the battlefield: North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia. Their arrival, following a summer incursion by Ukraine into Russia’s Kursk region, marks a significant escalation in the war.

Initially inexperienced, the North Korean troops have quickly adapted, raising concerns about the broader implications of their growing battlefield skills, AP reports.

Kyiv's forces, accustomed to fighting Russian troops, were uncertain about the tactics and capabilities of this new adversary. The deployment came after a pact between Moscow and Pyongyang to provide military assistance in the event of attacks.

A Ukrainian soldier who has encountered North Koreans in combat described them as disciplined and methodical, surpassing Russian troops in professionalism. However, drone footage shared by Ukrainian forces often mocks their outdated tactics. Despite early setbacks, observers agree that North Korean soldiers are learning quickly.

North Korea’s military is one of the largest in the world, with 1.2 million troops, but it has little experience with modern warfare. The war in Ukraine offers North Korean forces their first exposure to advanced combat scenarios, including drone warfare.

According to Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, this development poses a global challenge far beyond Ukraine.

Evidence of North Korean troop deployment

Despite estimates that 10,000-12,000 North Korean soldiers are fighting in the Kursk region, Russia has not officially acknowledged their presence. Ukrainian troops confirmed engagements with North Koreans in December, months after initial reports surfaced.

The addition of North Korean forces has bolstered Russia’s strategy of deploying large numbers of troops in Kursk. Ukrainian forces have managed to retain about half of the territory they captured during their summer offensive, though the situation remains fluid.

Kyiv’s military intelligence reports that North Koreans are integrated into Russian units, using Russian uniforms and fake identification to obscure their identity.

Intercepted communications revealing Korean accents and the use of North Korean weapons confirm their presence, according to Yusov. These soldiers have also gained experience countering improvised drones, a hallmark of the war in Ukraine.

Adapting to modern combat

Initially, North Korean troops suffered heavy losses due to outdated tactics, such as moving in large formations across open terrain, which made them easy targets for Ukrainian artillery and drones.

Reports from the Ukrainian military describe their movement in single-file columns in forests and dispersed groups in open areas, leading to significant casualties.

However, North Korean soldiers have displayed agility during nighttime operations, using red flashlights to navigate and executing swift maneuvers. A Ukrainian soldier noted their physical preparedness and strict adherence to routines honed over years of training.

Military analysts highlight their lack of familiarity with modern warfare, with many strategies dating back decades. The advent of reconnaissance drones and real-time video technology has rendered traditional formations obsolete.

Despite these shortcomings, experts warn that North Korean troops are rapidly improving their combat effectiveness, which, combined with their discipline, could make them a formidable force.

Reluctance to surrender

North Korean soldiers rarely surrender, a reflection of the regime's indoctrination. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers, noting the difficulty of taking them alive. Analysts attribute this to North Korea's propaganda, which views capture as a betrayal and emphasizes death over surrender.

Seongmin Lee, a defector from North Korea, explained that this belief is ingrained from a young age. Images of dead North Korean soldiers shared with contacts inside the country reveal how little the population knows about their government’s involvement in the war.

The participation of North Korean troops in Ukraine not only strengthens their alliance with Russia but also equips Pyongyang with valuable military experience. Dorothy Camille Shea, the US deputy ambassador to the UN, warned that North Korea could leverage these skills to enhance its military capabilities and promote weapons sales worldwide.

Bd-pratidin English/ Afia

More News
I strongly oppose any displacement, annexation in Gaza, West Bank: Macron
I strongly oppose any displacement, annexation in Gaza, West Bank: Macron
Ukraine to send delegation to US next week for talks on new mineral deal
Ukraine to send delegation to US next week for talks on new mineral deal
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
10 Britons accused of war crimes while fighting for Israel
10 Britons accused of war crimes while fighting for Israel
Bangkok residents seek quake-proof homes
Bangkok residents seek quake-proof homes
Hamas fires rockets at Israeli cities
Hamas fires rockets at Israeli cities
US jury orders Chevron to pay $745m for pollution
US jury orders Chevron to pay $745m for pollution
Latest News
Daffodil University suspends lecturer for opposing student solidarity strike for Gaza
Daffodil University suspends lecturer for opposing student solidarity strike for Gaza
18 minutes ago | National
‘Swadhinata Concert’ rescheduled in solidarity with protest against Israeli genocide
‘Swadhinata Concert’ rescheduled in solidarity with protest against Israeli genocide
40 minutes ago | National
I strongly oppose any displacement, annexation in Gaza, West Bank: Macron
I strongly oppose any displacement, annexation in Gaza, West Bank: Macron
1 hour ago | International
11 jailed, including 7 ex-Sonali Bank officials, for Tk 1.38 crore embezzlement
11 jailed, including 7 ex-Sonali Bank officials, for Tk 1.38 crore embezzlement
1 hour ago | National
Ukraine to send delegation to US next week for talks on new mineral deal
Ukraine to send delegation to US next week for talks on new mineral deal
1 hour ago | International
BEZA invites foreign investment in ambitious NSEZ project in Ctg
BEZA invites foreign investment in ambitious NSEZ project in Ctg
1 hour ago | Business
'Redrawing the map, climate change threatens national security'
'Redrawing the map, climate change threatens national security'
1 hour ago | National
34% of Americans trust ChatGPT—But not for legal or medical advice
34% of Americans trust ChatGPT—But not for legal or medical advice
1 hour ago | Tech
"Govt creating ecosystem to make business operations much easier"
"Govt creating ecosystem to make business operations much easier"
1 hour ago | Business
Prof. Yunus urges Trump to postpone tariffs on Bangladeshi exports
Prof. Yunus urges Trump to postpone tariffs on Bangladeshi exports
1 hour ago | Business
Brook named new England white-ball cricket captain
Brook named new England white-ball cricket captain
2 hours ago | Sports
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
2 hours ago | National
The Attraction and Potential Hazards of AI Lovers
The Attraction and Potential Hazards of AI Lovers
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
Consensus Commission aims for national reform agreement by mid-July
Consensus Commission aims for national reform agreement by mid-July
3 hours ago | National
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
3 hours ago | National
Exports witness 11.44% growth in March
Exports witness 11.44% growth in March
3 hours ago | Business
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
Trump says he’s not backing down on tariffs
3 hours ago | International
Policeman dispersed protesters without charging baton to get President’s medal
Policeman dispersed protesters without charging baton to get President’s medal
3 hours ago | National
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
3 hours ago | National
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
King Charles III shrugs off health scare to begin Italy visit
4 hours ago | International
Bandarban Court sends ARSA chief Ataullah to jail after bail rejection
Bandarban Court sends ARSA chief Ataullah to jail after bail rejection
4 hours ago | National
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
China vows 'stable' relations with S. Korea after Yoon impeachment
4 hours ago | International
Nasir impresses with the ball on competitive comeback after ICC ban
Nasir impresses with the ball on competitive comeback after ICC ban
4 hours ago | Sports
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
Israel seizes 50% of Gaza by destroying land to extend buffer zone
4 hours ago | International
Painful memories travel with  Unai Emery as he returns to PSG
Painful memories travel with Unai Emery as he returns to PSG
4 hours ago | Sports
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
Ringleader among 9 TTP militants killed in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan operation
5 hours ago | International
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
5 hours ago | Business
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
5 hours ago | Business
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
Israel ‘deliberately targeting’ journalists in Gaza
6 hours ago | International
Do you really have to soak chia seeds?
Do you really have to soak chia seeds?
6 hours ago | Lifestyle
Most Read
Uncertainty surrounds around 800 million in Bangladeshi shipments
Uncertainty surrounds around 800 million in Bangladeshi shipments
10 hours ago | Special
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
BB triggers Tk 9 billion startup fund for new entrepreneurs
5 hours ago | Business
Bangladesh Hockey team finalizes squad for AHF Cup
Bangladesh Hockey team finalizes squad for AHF Cup
12 hours ago | Sports
‘Swadhinata Concert’ with leading musicians in four cities on Friday
‘Swadhinata Concert’ with leading musicians in four cities on Friday
11 hours ago | Entertainment
Fingerprint not working
Fingerprint not working
8 hours ago | Special
Dollars costlier despite ample reserves
Dollars costlier despite ample reserves
9 hours ago | Special
10 healthy drinks to start your day
10 healthy drinks to start your day
6 hours ago | Lifestyle
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
Bangladesh erupts in protests against Israeli massacre in Gaza
7 hours ago | National
Bangladesh opens 4-day summit to boost direct foreign investment
Bangladesh opens 4-day summit to boost direct foreign investment
8 hours ago | Business
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
Country's economy expands in March, PMI reaches 61.7
5 hours ago | Business
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
Vessel carrying 12,700 MT rice arrives at Ctg port from Vietnam
7 hours ago | Business
UK Labour MPs denied entry to Israel during West Bank visit
UK Labour MPs denied entry to Israel during West Bank visit
23 hours ago | International
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
Mild heat wave sweeps over nine districts: Met office
7 hours ago | National
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
Dhaka's dwellers breathe "moderate" air quality today
9 hours ago | City
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
Protect your hair this summer from beach water
7 hours ago | Lifestyle
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
Trading opens with gains at Dhaka, Chattogram stock exchanges
6 hours ago | Business
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
Harvard study reveals 17 risk factors for brain diseases
7 hours ago | Lifestyle
‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost
‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost
9 hours ago | Entertainment
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
249 killed in 11 days of Eid road accidents across Bangladesh: RSF
2 hours ago | National
Trump's Tariffs: Two Letters to be sent to the US in 48 hrs
Trump's Tariffs: Two Letters to be sent to the US in 48 hrs
23 hours ago | National
July uprising creates atmosphere for free assembly
July uprising creates atmosphere for free assembly
12 hours ago | National
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
“Israel's genocide and occupation in Gaza must end immediately.”
8 hours ago | City
Bombs planted to target investigators in enforced disappearance cases: Chief Prosecutor
Bombs planted to target investigators in enforced disappearance cases: Chief Prosecutor
23 hours ago | National
World Health Day today
World Health Day today
9 hours ago | Lifestyle
Chatradal to stand with black cloths tied to faces in protest against Israeli genocide
Chatradal to stand with black cloths tied to faces in protest against Israeli genocide
22 hours ago | National
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
Bangladesh strongly condemns attacks on Gaza, calls for ceasing military operations
3 hours ago | National
Israeli forces raid cities, refugee camps in West Bank
Israeli forces raid cities, refugee camps in West Bank
11 hours ago | International
Jaya Ahsan condemns killings in Gaza, urges global conscience to awaken
Jaya Ahsan condemns killings in Gaza, urges global conscience to awaken
22 hours ago | Entertainment
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
Babar Ali conquers Annapurna-1 as first Bangladeshi
3 hours ago | National
Expectations of martyrs’ families from chief adviser
Expectations of martyrs’ families from chief adviser
12 hours ago | National