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North Korean Troops Vanish From Russia’s Front Lines Following Battlefield Losses, Says NYT

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North Korean Troops Vanish From Russia’s Front Lines Following Battlefield Losses, Says NYT
North Korean soldiers visit Mansu Hill in Pyongyang on February 16, 2019, celebrating the birthday of the late leader Kim Jong Il, the father of current leader Kim Jong Un. (Source: Getty Images)

North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia’s war against Ukraine have been pulled from the front lines after suffering devastating losses, The New York Times reported, citing Ukrainian and US officials on January 30.

Officials said the troops, deployed to reinforce Russian forces struggling against Ukrainian advances inside Russia’s borders, have not been spotted near the front for approximately two weeks. The information, based on military and intelligence reports, was provided under conditions of anonymity.

The arrival of around 11,000 North Korean troops in Russia last November sparked alarm in Ukraine and among its Western allies, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the war. However, within just three months, their numbers have reportedly been cut in half, according to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.

Despite their reputation as disciplined and aggressive fighters, North Korean troops have faced severe challenges on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials describe them as disorganized and poorly integrated with Russian forces, leading to high casualty rates. Since their arrival, they have been deployed with little armor and minimal coordination, advancing into heavily mined fields and suffering relentless Ukrainian fire.

Despite heavy losses, the decision to withdraw North Korean troops may not be final. US officials believe they could be re-deployed after further training or if Russia adjusts its tactics to reduce casualties.

Ukraine has not yet officially confirmed the pullback of North Korean troops, but Ukrainian forces have consistently reported heavy losses among them and unusual battlefield behavior.

Frontline soldiers have described chaotic and seemingly reckless assaults, with North Korean units advancing without proper coordination or fallback strategies. While Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on North Korean troops disappearance from the front, multiple reports suggest their numbers had already been significantly reduced due to mounting casualties.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia’s reliance on North Korean military supplies intensified. Reports indicate that over 50%, and in some areas more than 70%, of the ammunition and artillery shells used by Russian forces are sourced from North Korea.

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