North Korea's war gains: Modernization amid heavy losses
North Korea is the only country, alongside Ukraine and Russia, gaining direct experience in full-scale warfare in the 21st century, highlighted the head of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with the South Korean daily "Chosun Ilbo".
As Budanov emphasized, Pyongyang, despite losses in personnel, is reaping many benefits from this war.
Budanov noted that North Korea is using the conflict to gain combat experience and modernize its military technologies. This will have lasting consequences for the security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, assessed the head of HUR. He also indicated that about 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or seriously wounded on the front in the Kursk region in western Russia.
Despite these losses, North Koreans continue to actively participate in joint operations with Russian forces. Budanov added that there is no evidence of Pyongyang preparing additional special forces, although an increase in artillery and missile units has been observed.
Cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow
In mid-February, the defence ministry in Seoul confirmed that Pyongyang supplied Moscow with about 200 long-range artillery launchers. Budanov pointed out the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in the fields of technology, science, and industry. As an example, he mentioned technical modifications to the North Korean KN-23 missile, which improved its precision.
General Budanov expressed hope for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea, as both countries are threatened by North Korea's actions. "The exchange of intelligence and battlefield experiences" would be beneficial for both sides.
According to South Korean authorities, Kim Jong Un sent over 10,000 soldiers to support Russia in its war against Ukraine in exchange for Russian technological support.
Ukrainian forces entered the Kursk region on 6 August 2024, with the aim of forcing the Russians to transfer some forces from Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
