1776Reporting
More than 100 of North Korea’s elite “Storm” troops were killed in their first engagements in Russia, with another 1,000 injured, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The losses highlight the harsh realities of war these soldiers are facing, as they are thrust into unfamiliar battles alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
South Korean lawmakers were briefed by the NIS, which revealed that the troops’ heavy casualties occurred during their initial battles. The New York Times reported that a general-ranking officer might be among the dead, indicating the significant blow to North Korea’s military presence in Russia.
Ill-Prepared for Modern Warfare
Despite being highly trained and indoctrinated, the Storm Corps were unprepared for the advanced combat scenarios in Ukraine. The NIS noted their vulnerability to drone attacks and their struggles with the local terrain. While these troops are considered among the best in North Korea’s military, their training did not equip them for the challenges of modern warfare.
The BBC has previously reported on the limitations of North Korea’s elite soldiers, noting that while their training is superior to that of regular troops, they often suffer from poor nutrition, with some appearing malnourished. Ukrainian forces have also stated that the troops seem unaware of the dangers posed by drones, further exacerbating their losses.
Mounting Casualties and Internal Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently shared preliminary estimates, stating that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in the Kursk region of Russia. This area has seen intense fighting since Ukraine launched an offensive in August.
Adding to the chaos, Ukrainian intelligence reported a “friendly fire” incident in Kursk where North Korean soldiers accidentally killed eight Russian troops due to a language barrier. This misstep underscores the rushed integration of North Korean forces into the Russian military. According to the NIS, the troops only learned a handful of military phrases in Russian, such as “open fire” and “artillery,” before being sent to the battlefield.
Psychological Warfare and Desertion
Ukraine has been working to encourage North Korean troops to surrender, using tactics like dropping leaflets and broadcasting messages. These efforts aim to exploit the precarious situation faced by these soldiers, who are being treated as expendable by Russian forces. Ukraine has warned that Russia’s strategy relies on overwhelming numbers, often using poorly trained troops as cannon fodder—a fate it fears awaits the North Koreans.
A Growing Commitment
Despite the heavy losses, North Korea appears to be preparing to send more troops to Russia. The NIS has suggested that Pyongyang remains committed to its alliance with Moscow, even as its soldiers face staggering casualties. Ukrainian officials predict that North Korean troops may soon be deployed to the front lines, intensifying the conflict.
Warfare experts caution against underestimating the potential impact of these troops. While poorly equipped and integrated, their presence adds to the challenges Ukraine faces in defending its territory against Russian advances.
As the war drags on, the sacrifices of North Korea’s elite forces may signal deeper implications for its alliance with Russia and its role in this protracted conflict.
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