0
0
WASHINGTON — two Hundreds of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been killed or wounded in battles around the Kursk border region, according to a senior U.S. military official.
The official, speaking anonymously, described the North Korean forces as inexperienced and ill-prepared for combat, leading to heavy casualties. This marks the first significant estimate of North Korean losses since reports emerged weeks ago that Pyongyang had deployed 10,000 to 12,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort.
The Pentagon confirmed that North Korean troops are primarily serving in infantry roles, often embedded with Russian units or fighting independently in the Kursk area, where fierce clashes with Ukrainian forces are ongoing.
The casualty update comes as the Biden administration works urgently to supply Ukraine with military aid before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20. A senior defense official warned that the Pentagon may not be able to deliver all of the remaining $5.6 billion in weaponry allocated for Ukraine before the transition.
Out of this sum, $1.2 billion remains earmarked for longer-term assistance, such as weapons contracts that take a year or more to fulfill. The remaining $5.6 billion comes from presidential drawdown authority, allowing for immediate transfer of weapons from U.S. stockpiles. While the U.S. will continue to send arms until Trump’s inauguration, officials expect some funds will be left for the new administration.
Trump’s stated interest in negotiating a settlement between Ukraine and Russia has sparked uncertainty over whether Ukraine will receive the full military support already approved by Congress.
Meanwhile, intense battles persist in the Kursk region, where Russia has reportedly reclaimed 20% of the territory previously gained by Ukrainian forces. Officials indicated Ukraine could maintain its current positions for now, but its ability to hold ground depends on the broader dynamics of the conflict, including Kyiv’s ongoing long-range strikes.
Russia continues to suffer significant losses, with casualties estimated at up to 1,200 troops daily. It remains unclear whether Moscow has requested additional troops from North Korea as it seeks to replenish its ranks.
This development further highlights the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war, with Pyongyang’s involvement drawing global scrutiny.
