First official confirmation of participation in battle after Russian troops were dispatched
US Secretary of State Blinken: “Response resolutely”
Korean media: “Russian side killed over 200 people in three days”
The South Korean and U.S. governments announced that North Korean troops are fighting Ukrainian troops in Kursk Oblast, southwestern Russia, a fierce battleground in the Ukraine war. This is the first time that the two countries have officially confirmed the participation of North Korean troops in combat.
The National Intelligence Service announced on the 13th, “We assess that North Korean troops dispatched to Russia have moved to the Kursk region in the past two weeks, completed deployment to the battlefield, and are already participating in combat,” and added, “We are collecting and analyzing related intelligence and information.” .
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on the 12th (local time), “We have confirmed that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to eastern Russia, and most of them moved to Kursk Oblast and began engaging in combat operations with the Russian military.” He also explained that the North Korean military is being trained in basic infantry operations and how to use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and artillery. However, whether the North Korean military will succeed on the battlefield will depend on how well Russia can integrate the North Korean military into its own military, he said, adding, “There are challenges to overcome, such as interoperability, language, command, and communication.”
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken also said on the 13th at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, that “North Korean troops have been sent into battle and are ‘quite literally’ fighting,” and that “we will respond resolutely.”
Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a fierce battle in the Kursk Oblast area. According to Ukrainian media outlet Kiev Post, the Ukrainian army reported on the 12th that it had “defeated one Russian battalion.” The media said, “The 11th was a ‘dark day’ for the Russian military,” adding, “10 Russian armored vehicles were destroyed.”
German media outlet Bild also reported, “The Russian military is carrying out a large-scale operation in Kursk to drive out the Ukrainian army, but is suffering huge losses.” Bild added, “Over the course of three days, the Russian army lost 28 armored vehicles and it is likely that there were more than 200 casualties.”
Paris = Correspondent Jo Eun-ah [email protected]
Reporter Ko Do-ye [email protected]
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How might the collaboration between North Korea and Russia affect international relations in the Asia-Pacific region?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Elena Myshkin
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Myshkin. Thank you for joining us today. We’re witnessing a remarkable turn of events in the ongoing Ukraine conflict with the confirmed participation of North Korean troops. Can you first set the stage for us? What does this mean for the dynamics of the war?
Dr. Myshkin: Thank you for having me. The integration of North Korean troops into the conflict is significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, it marks the first official acknowledgment from South Korea and the U.S. of North Korea’s military involvement, which changes the perception of the conflict. The addition of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers could bolster Russia’s forces, particularly in critical areas like the Kursk Oblast.
Editor: That’s a substantial number. How are these North Korean troops being utilized on the battlefield?
Dr. Myshkin: Reports suggest these troops have been trained in basic infantry tactics and operations involving drones and artillery. However, their effectiveness will largely depend on how well they can integrate with Russian forces. There are some inherent challenges, including language barriers and differences in command structures, which could affect operational efficiency.
Editor: U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken mentioned responding “resolutely” to this development. What do you think that entails?
Dr. Myshkin: The U.S. response could manifest in several ways, from political actions to potential increases in military support for Ukraine. The objective would likely be to counter the enhanced capabilities Russia might gain from North Korean involvement. We may see a more robust supply of advanced weaponry to Ukraine or even diplomatic efforts to tighten pressure on both Russia and North Korea.
Editor: The article also notes that heavy losses have been reported on the Russian side, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have defeated a battalion and destroyed armored vehicles. How might this influence morale on both sides?
Dr. Myshkin: Morale is crucial in warfare. For Ukraine, achieving these victories can be a huge boost, showcasing their resilience against a seemingly larger coalition. Conversely, Russia’s repeated losses might demoralize its troops and could lead to questions about the effectiveness of their leadership strategies, especially with the added complexity of collaborating with foreign troops.
Editor: With the context of North Korean military doctrine, do you anticipate any unique tactics or strategies from these troops?
Dr. Myshkin: Absolutely. North Korea has a distinctive style centered around sheer manpower and attrition, often maximizing their troop numbers to overwhelm positions. This could mean aggressive tactics that prioritize mass assaults, especially considering the harsh realities faced by Korea’s military forces back home. However, you must also consider they might lack the modern warfare sophistication seen in Western armies, which could limit their effectiveness.
Editor: Lastly, as we look to the future, what implications does this alliance between North Korea and Russia have for the global geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Myshkin: This partnership could signify a troubling shift towards military alliances among states isolated by the West. If successful, it may embolden North Korea to further engage in international conflicts and solidify Russia’s isolation while simultaneously stretching its military commitments. The global balance could see heightened tensions, particularly with countries that feel threatened by such coalitions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Myshkin, for your insightful analysis. As this situation develops, we will certainly be watching how these dynamics unfold and affect the broader regional stability.
Dr. Myshkin: It’s my pleasure. I look forward to discussing further developments with you.