North Korean losses in Ukraine reveal military shortcomings
According to a report by the South Korean intelligence agency, the losses of North Korean (DPRK) soldiers in the war in Ukraine have already reached 3,000 people. The Yonhap agency provided the information.
The South Korean intelligence agency revealed that the losses of DPRK soldiers in the war in Ukraine have already reached 3,000 people. Of this number, 300 are dead, and 2,700 are wounded. Yonhap conveyed this information, citing calculations by South Korean intelligence.
Reasons for high casualties
According to South Korean intelligence, the high casualties result from the DPRK soldiers' "lack of understanding of modern warfare." Their actions, such as "futile" shooting at long-range drones, contribute to the increased number of victims.
The intelligence also reveals that DPRK soldiers are forced to commit suicide to avoid being captured by Ukrainian forces. This dramatic act aims to prevent interception by the enemy.
Soldiers in captivity and prisoner exchange
As reminded by the Ukrainian agency Unian, Ukraine is ready to hand over North Korean soldiers taken captive. The authorities will transfer the soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. However, it is noted that one of the North Korean soldiers in captivity expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine and does not want to return to Korea.
Additionally, North Korea supports the Russian Federation and sends tonnes of equipment to the aggressor country. Recently, the M1989 Koksan artillery pieces have been mentioned, which—according to military analyst Jarosław Wolski—are "a sign of Russian desperation." The equipment is specific, as it has a barrel of a different calibre than what the Russians use, and it is also inaccurate.
The M1989 Koksan is artillery with an impressive range, reaching up to 60 kilometres using rocket-assisted projectiles. With standard projectiles, the range decreases to 40 kilometres. The weapon features a firing rate of two shots in five minutes. An important aspect is the use of a 170 mm calibre gun, which is unique to North Korea. This specific solution means that Russians have to source ammunition from North Korea since they use weapons of a different calibre.
It is also known that Russians have issues with access to ammunition, so in this context as well, they are supported by North Korea. Putin's ally thus provides Russia with ammunition, although it often turns out to be defective.
