North Korean soldiers in Russia's Ukraine war: tactics & problems

North Korean soldiers in Russia's Ukraine war: tactics & problems

Together with the encounter between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in the south of the country has changed dramatically. North Korean soldiers who have been sent to the Kursk region since November use brutal and almost suicidal tactics to ward off the Ukrainian attacks. Reports from western Intelligence circles estimate that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia, of which around 4,000 should have fallen or wounded.

Extreme combat method of the North Korean troops

A number of reports have shown how North Korean soldiers go to the limits of what is feasible so as not to get captive. You use hand grenades to kill yourself when the capture is impending, or curls, among other things, out of attacking drones with comrades. These extreme measures are a direct answer to the challenges on the modern battlefield, including the use of advanced drone technology and classic trench warfare.

Missing preparation for modern warfare

The Ukrainian special forces report that the North Korean soldiers are not prepared for the reality of the Ukrainian battlefield. A soldier with the code name Pokémon, a commander of the 6th special operating unit, emphasizes that the North Korean fighters are ineffective in a modern context. In fact, they still seem to come from a time when the warfare fundamentally differed - possibly from the 1980s. Despite their youth and training, they are not prepared for the use of UAVS (unmanned aerial vehicles) that have revolutionized warfare in Ukraine.

tactical movement ability of the North Korean soldiers

North Korean troops try to increase their mobility by losing off helmets and other protective equipment. Amur, a company commander, explains how this increases her mobility and enables faster attacks on Ukrainian positions. They are able to move nimble, which makes it particularly difficult to grasp - even out of the air.

resource equipment and modernity of the equipment

The military equipment that Ukrainian troops from fallen North Korean soldiers could secure indicates that they have more modern equipment. These include the newer AK-12 assault rifle, an improved version of the AK-47 standard rifle. In addition, the North Korean fighters have terrifyingly low personal survival resources, as Amur notes.

documentation of loyalty and tactics

The records found in fallen North Korean soldiers throw a light on the way of thinking of this group. Some notes contain loyalty to Kim Jong Un and glorify North Korean victories in the battle. These documents also show that the North Korean soldiers believe in the Russian front of gaining experience in order to be ready in a future conflict in the home country.

monitoring and reporting on loyalty problems

Another document reported 'illoyality' among the North Korean units, with soldiers being punished for thefts or disregarding commands. These practices reflect the authoritarian regime in North Korea, which urges citizens to denounce each other, as well as the brutal measures that are taken during the conflict.

fight against technology

These reports and analyzes underline the radical and often fatal approach of the North Korean soldiers in an almost hopeless conflict that causes both strategic and human tragedies.