North Korean Units Withdrawn To Rebuild After "Significant" Kursk Losses

North Korean units serving with the Russians in Kursk have had to be withdrawn for refitting and reinforcement after suffering significant losses in their first battlefield encounters with Ukrainian forces. 

Reports indicate that the North Koreans attacked using tactics "from 70 years ago," and were decimated by Ukrainians drones and artillery. JL

Militarnyi reports:

North Korean units have been withdrawn for troop replacement and reinforcement due to significant losses at the front. The first involvement of the North Korean military in assaults became known on December 14, in Kursk Oblast. The North Korean soldiers attacked without transport, in infantry platoons of 20-30 people, which were fired upon by the artillery of Ukraine forces. "They do not account for drones. They wear strange but funny hats. They hold their weapons as if they were Mosin-Nagant rifles. It looks like they are using the same tactics as 70 years ago.” 

The North Korean units have withdrawn to be manned due to significant losses at the front.

This was reported by the official website of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

On December 14 and 15, the North Korean units attempted to storm the positions of Ukrainian defenders, where they lost about 30 soldiers.

 

In addition, three DPRK servicemen went missing near the village of Kurylivka, which led to the withdrawal of the unit and its re-staffing.

Probable engagement of DPRK soldiers in Kursk. 12/14/2024. Russia. Source: Zigun Mangusta/Telegram

The DIU notes that the manning is being completed with personnel from the 94th Separate Brigade of the DPRK Army.

 

The first involvement of the North Korean military in the assault became known on December 14, 2024, when it had been reported by the military holding the line in the Kursk Oblast. According to one of the military, the North Korean soldiers attacked without transport, in infantry platoons of 20-30 people, which were fired upon by the artillery of the Defense Forces.

Later that day, a video of the Korean military’s offensive was published, which, according to the Ukrainian defenders, behaved strangely on the battlefield, as they ignored their wounded comrades and attacked in columns.

 

The strange behavior of the North Korean soldiers was also noticed by the Khorne Group of the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

“Long-awaited Koreans, North Koreans. Weakness and bravery are their tactics, their trump card is good physical fitness. They do not count on the actions of drones. They wear very strange but funny hats. They hold their weapons as if they were Mosin-Nagant rifles. It looks like they are using the same tactics as 70 years ago,” the Khorne Group’s press service said.

Already on December 15, 2024, the 414th Regiment “Magyar Birds” published a video in which, according to them, the North Korean soldiers who took part in the assault on the positions of the Defense Forces were killed.

The North Korean and Russian soldiers killed in Kursk. 12/15/2024. Photo: Magyar Birds

Today, the exact number of the North Korean soldiers in the Russian Armed Forces is unknown, but according to Bloomberg, the North Korean government may gradually involve a group of troops of up to 100,000 in the war against Ukraine.

This will be possible if the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow continues to deepen within the framework of the signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.