Ukraine’s Intel Reveals Excessive New Year’s Drinking and Low Morale Among North Korean Troops in Kursk Region

North Korean soldiers deployed to fight alongside Russian forces in the Russian Kursk region reportedly celebrated New Year’s Eve with excessive drinking, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) revealed on January 2.

Despite their involvement in combat operations, instances of heavy alcohol consumption among the North Korean troops were observed on the nights of December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Reports indicate that North Korean units, which are suffering significant casualties, are struggling to maintain morale.

In response to mounting losses, Russian commanders have continued to rotate fresh North Korean forces to the frontlines. On December 31 and January 1, groups of North Korean soldiers were redeployed to positions near the settlements of Ulanok, Fanaseyevka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka in the Kursk region.

HUR further noted that lower-ranking Russian commanders have been falsifying reports to senior officials, downplaying the scale of losses among North Korean personnel.

North Korean troops are being exposed to Russian military propaganda emphasizing the “great importance” of their involvement in the war against Ukraine.

Earlier, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, stated that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces are suffering heavy losses, with reports of soldiers attempting to take their own lives.