NewsNorth Korean troops retreat from Kursk after heavy losses

North Korean troops retreat from Kursk after heavy losses

The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have confirmed that North Korean soldiers have been withdrawn from combat in the Kursk region of Russia. This occurred about three weeks ago, and the reason for this decision was heavy personnel losses, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

Kim's soldiers withdrawn from the front line. Losses were too heavy.
Kim's soldiers withdrawn from the front line. Losses were too heavy.
Images source: © East News | STR
Violetta Baran

"We confirm that there has been no presence of North Korean troops in the region for around three weeks. It is likely that they were forced to withdraw after suffering significant losses," said Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko, spokesperson for the Special Operations Forces, to Ukrainska Pravda.

According to data from mid-January, North Korean forces might have lost about 4,000 soldiers in the battles. Earlier, "The New York Times" reported on the withdrawal of these forces, suggesting that they might return to the front line after additional training.

Kim Jong Un helps Putin

Ukrainian troops entered the Kursk region on August 6, 2024. The aim of this offensive was to force the Russians to redeploy some forces from Donbas.

At the end of last year, reports surfaced that North Korean soldiers were fighting on the side of the Russians in the Kursk region. Soon, it turned out these reports were true.

The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, reportedly sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia, to support Moscow in exchange for technical assistance for Pyongyang's weaponry and satellite programs, which are under strict sanctions. Some of them were stationed on the front line in the Kursk region.