The ongoing war in Ukraine has taken a devastating toll on North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia. According to White House spokesperson John Kirby, over 1,000 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in just one week in the Kursk region of Russia.
This number is far greater than previous reports and paints a grim picture of the situation. Kirby explained that Russian and North Korean military leaders appear to treat these soldiers as expendable, sending them on hopeless missions. These assaults, called “massed, dismounted assaults,” mean soldiers attack Ukrainian defenses with little protection or planning.
Dire Conditions for North Korean Soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the losses as “very significant” during his nightly address. He revealed that North Korean troops are sent into battle with minimal support from Russian forces, leaving them highly vulnerable. Some soldiers who try to retreat are reportedly executed by their own leaders.
Zelenskiy shared heartbreaking details, saying that Ukrainian forces managed to capture a few North Korean soldiers, but their severe wounds made it impossible to save their lives.
“Koreans should not be losing their lives in a war in Europe,” Zelenskiy said, urging China to pressure North Korea to stop sending troops.
Rising Casualty Numbers
Zelenskiy reported that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in the Kursk region alone. This is a sharp increase from earlier data provided by U.S. officials, which cited several hundred casualties. The losses include soldiers of all ranks, from lower-level troops to high-ranking officers.
U.S. Support for Ukraine
Amid these developments, President Joe Biden is expected to approve another security assistance package for Ukraine. Earlier this week, he condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy systems during the Christmas holiday and pledged continued support by supplying weapons and resources.
What’s Next?
With mounting casualties and no end in sight, the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war highlights the increasing desperation of Russia’s strategy. The world watches as Ukraine continues to defend itself against overwhelming odds, while leaders like Zelenskiy call for stronger international action to prevent further loss of life.
The situation underscores the human cost of war and the importance of global efforts to end the conflict.
