North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine have reportedly retreated from the front lines after suffering significant casualties, including the death of a high-ranking commander. Ukrainian special forces claim nearly half of the deployed North Korean contingent has been eliminated, forcing a withdrawal approximately two weeks ago. This retreat is purportedly for regrouping, treating the wounded, and awaiting reinforcements. While currently absent from the immediate front lines, their presence in the region is confirmed, suggesting a potential return to combat after reorganization.
The North Korean deployment, estimated at 11,000 soldiers, has been characterized by brutal fighting and questionable tactics. Ukrainian sources report that North Korean soldiers are being utilized as “human bait” to draw out Ukrainian drones and artillery fire, exposing them to significant risk. Furthermore, accounts describe instances of North Korean soldiers detonating grenades on themselves rather than face capture, purportedly shouting slogans of loyalty to Kim Jong-un before their deaths. Their outdated attack formations, involving groups of 20 to 60 soldiers, render them vulnerable to modern weaponry.
The captured body of a North Korean Lieutenant Colonel, identified as a company commander, has provided Ukrainian forces with valuable intelligence. Recovered items include a Korean diary, a Chinese-made radio, a paper map, and several firearms. Interestingly, the officer also possessed a Russian identification document identifying him as a 38-year-old individual named Ayaty Duun-oolovich Kolodzinskiy, suggesting attempts to conceal the true identities of the North Korean combatants. The discrepancies between the recovered diary written in Korean and the Russian ID further highlight the efforts to obscure their involvement.
Radio intercepts suggest a lack of coordination and effectiveness among the North Korean troops. Reports indicate instances of accidental friendly fire targeting Russian positions, as well as an inability to hold captured ground after assaults on Ukrainian defenses. These shortcomings, coupled with the high casualty rate, underscore the challenges faced by the North Korean contingent and their limited impact on the battlefield.
In addition to the deployment of soldiers, North Korea is suspected of providing Russia with military equipment. Reports of trainloads of heavy artillery crossing Russia in December suggest ongoing material support for the Russian war effort. This collaboration between the two nations highlights their shared interests in challenging the existing geopolitical order.
Former North Korean soldiers offer insights into the likely motivations and prospects of the deployed troops. Hyun-Seung Lee, who served in the North Korean army in the early 2000s, suggests that the soldiers are likely young and coerced into service, lacking genuine commitment to the fight. He predicts a high probability of defections, particularly if Ukrainian psychological operations exploit their lack of motivation and vulnerability. Lee anticipates that the Russian forces will treat the North Koreans as expendable “human shields,” leading to disillusionment and potential attempts to escape. He further doubts their effectiveness, predicting that they will fail to meet the expectations of both Putin and Kim Jong-un, ultimately dying without significant impact.
