North Korea Bolsters Russian Forces with Additional Troops Amid Ukraine Conflict

North Korea has dispatched 3,000 additional troops to Russia as reported by South Korean officials, compensating for significant casualties among North Korean forces in Ukraine. President Zelensky estimated 4,000 losses among North Korean troops, attributed to combat inexperience. North Korea has been supplying military equipment to Russia in exchange for fuel and technology, making it a crucial ally in the conflict.

In early 2023, North Korea sent approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia to help counter losses incurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by the Associated Press on March 27, citing South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. This military reinforcement is part of North Korea’s broader support for Russia in the war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that North Korean forces operating alongside Russian troops have experienced substantial casualties, estimating around 4,000 losses, with two-thirds being fatalities. These high casualty figures have been linked to North Korean soldiers’ lack of combat experience and their reliance on human wave tactics, as noted by Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov.

Additionally, North Korea has supplied Russia with various military assets, including short-range ballistic missiles, 170 mm self-propelled howitzers, and 240 mm multiple rocket launchers. This military collaboration has positioned North Korea as a significant ally for Russia, offering artillery, missiles, and troop support in exchange for oil products and advanced missile technology.

Last fall, North Korea had already deployed up to 12,000 troops to Kursk Oblast to assist Russian forces in their efforts to reclaim territory lost to Ukrainian advancement. Ukrainian forces had successfully captured approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory before the reinforcement of North Korean troops facilitated a counteroffensive, reclaiming important areas, including the town of Sudzha.

The mobilization of North Korean troops to Russia reflects a significant military collaboration aimed at offsetting losses in the Ukraine conflict. North Korea’s provision of soldiers, along with advanced weaponry, underscores its role as a strategic partner for Russia. This partnership not only addresses immediate battlefield needs but also enhances North Korea’s access to vital resources and technology, showcasing the intertwined military interests of both nations.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com