North Korean forces adapt to Ukrainian tactics in Kursk clash
Soldiers from North Korea are still engaged in fighting in the Kursk region. Ukrainian military expert Sergey Grabski warns that they are receiving additional training in Russia, which enhances their ability to handle weapons used in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. He also explains why Kim Jong-un's army is so determined and challenging to demotivate.
Grabski highlighted the use of outdated tactical techniques by the North Koreans, which initially led to significant losses in the Kursk region. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, these losses have already reached about 4,000 soldiers. North Korean prisoners, speaking in their first interview with the media, admitted to being surprised by the Ukrainians' actions and the weapons they employed, underestimating drones in particular.
North Koreans near Kursk are changing tactics
Stanisław Krasnow, a platoon commander in the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, confirmed during a conversation with the Unian agency that a change in tactics by the North Koreans was observed in February.
Grabski believes this will become even more apparent in the upcoming weeks as additional training allows North Korean soldiers to understand the realities of the Russo-Ukrainian war better. They are likely learning to use specific Russian weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles from the Russians. Among some captured or neutralized North Koreans, Ukrainians had previously found firearms, including the Vepr-12 semi-automatic shotgun, likely used against drones, and the AK-12 automatic rifle, which is Russian-made.
The Kursk region is "swarming" with drones. Although Ukrainians have received various types of unmanned aerial vehicles from the West, they primarily base their operations on small FPV (first-person view) drones, which they can produce domestically. North Korean soldiers are contending against such devices—small commercial drones with built-in cameras and attached explosive charges or grenades—.
Why is it difficult to demotivate a North Korean soldier?
Grabski also elaborated on why it is very difficult to demotivate North Korean soldiers.
As he explained, their ranks include members of the security services loyal to the authorities in Pyongyang, who closely monitor how soldiers behave on the battlefield and between attacks. Additionally important are North Korea's isolation from the world, its propaganda, and concerns for the families left at home.
“We must realize that, in reality, the families of these North Korean soldiers are hostages of the regime, and this explains the desperation with which these people go into battle. It is impossible to demotivate them because DPRK soldiers understand that if they are captured or defect to the Ukrainian side, their families could face severe repercussions," said Grabski, recalling that Kim Jong Un had no scruples in ordering the brutal execution of his uncle and would not hesitate to act similarly against those he considers outsiders.
