In December 2024, the 1st Battalion of the 8th Ukrainian Special Forces Regiment was tasked with capturing North Korean soldiers allegedly sent to support the Russian military. Their objective was to counteract Kremlin claims denying any North Korean involvement amidst an escalating conflict. In the following month, they not only confirmed the presence of over 11,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk region but also gathered intelligence on their capabilities. Reports indicated that North Korean forces had integrated into battles, revealing a significant operational capability that raised concerns about their effectiveness compared to traditional Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry intelligence suggests there are still 8,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia, anticipating further training to enhance combat performance.
The 1st Battalion of the 8th Ukrainian Special Forces Regiment aimed to confirm North Korean troops' involvement to counter Kremlin propaganda about their absence.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy reported on February 7 that Kim's troops had returned to the front line, with Ukrainian forces verifying this through combat images.
Despite three weeks of no sightings at the front, Ukrainian intelligence assess North Korean forces to be more effectively trained than regular Russian infantry.
#ukrainian-army #north-korea #russia-ukraine-conflict #military-intelligence #international-relations
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