Ukrainian special forces operating in Russia's western Kursk region have informed the BBC that they have not encountered any North Korean troops in the area over the past three weeks. A spokesperson mentioned the likelihood of the North Korean troops withdrawing due to significant losses.
Recent reports from Western officials relay that out of approximately 11,000 North Korean troops dispatched to support Russia, 1,000 have died within a span of three months. Both North Korea and Russia have refrained from providing any comments on this matter.
The Ukrainian special forces spokesperson clarified to the BBC that their observations only pertain to the specific areas within the Kursk region where they are engaged in combat. Although the exact length of this specific front line was not disclosed, the absence of North Korean troops in this region suggests notable casualties on their part.
Additionally, the New York Times has reported that North Korean forces have been withdrawn from the front lines. US officials mentioned the possibility of a temporary withdrawal, with potential plans for the soldiers to return following further training or revised deployment strategies from the Russian side to mitigate heavy losses.
South Korean intelligence sources suggest that North Korean troops may not be adequately prepared for modern warfare and could be susceptible to Ukrainian drone attacks. Recent strengthening of ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un includes a security and defense treaty, expanding Pyongyang's support to Moscow in terms of ammunition and weapons supply.
In August of last year, elite Ukrainian troops initiated a swift offensive in Kursk, seizing over 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russian territory. Subsequently, Russian forces have succeeded in recapturing a considerable portion of the region.
Kyiv's strategic incursion aimed to alter the course of the conflict, initially intended to alleviate pressure on other fronts of the extensive frontline, particularly in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow continues its incremental progress in the east, gaining control of several settlements in the Donetsk region in recent weeks.
With their eyes set on maintaining control over the territory held in Kursk, Kyiv aims to leverage it for potential ceasefire talks or peace negotiations with Moscow.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia commenced in February 2022.