North Korean soldiers blow themselves up with grenades to avoid capture – Sky News
Illustrative photo: North Korean soldiers blow themselves up with grenades to avoid being captured (Getty Images)
North Korean troops in Russia display a clear lack of awareness about threats from drones and artillery. They also refuse to surrender alive, Sky News reports.
According to the media resource, the North Koreans "would rather blow themselves up with grenades than risk capture." In addition, likely, North Korean troops have temporarily withdrawn from the front line in Russia after suffering heavy losses.
Sky News journalists spoke with Ukrainian soldiers, who believe that North Korean troops are either learning from their mistakes during initial clashes with Ukrainian forces, tending to the wounded, or waiting for reinforcements.
"I think they'll be back soon," said a Ukrainian commander with the callsign "Puls."
The media resource also notes that North Korean forces are unaware of threats posed by drones and artillery. This is evidenced by their foot assaults in groups of 20, 40, or even 60 people, making them easy targets.
Moreover, North Korean soldiers attempt to remove evidence of their presence from the combat zone, taking away the wounded and dead.
Due to poor coordination, issues have arisen between North Korean forces and the Russian army. One soldier claimed that intercepted communications revealed that North Koreans had accidentally targeted Russian positions.
Ukrainian soldiers noted that North Korean troops are better equipped than many Russians, possessing rifles and uniforms. However, they move exclusively on foot and use golf buggies to transport ammunition.
"They were all clean-shaven and perfectly groomed, like models. Every single one - no beards, unkempt hair, or bald heads… It was also hard to determine their age. They all looked between 25 and 35, maybe up to 40" said "Puls."
North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine
North Korea continues to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, initially by supplying artillery shells and later by sending over 10,000 troops. According to intelligence, Pyongyang plans to deliver another 150 short-range ballistic missiles and additional howitzers this year.
Earlier, Ukrainian political strategist Taras Zahorodnii assessed whether US President Donald Trump could force North Korea to cease aiding Russia in the war. During his first term, Trump attempted to establish relations with North Korea and even met Kim Jong-un.
