Russia may deploy North Korean troops in offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv regions – Ukraine intel
Photo: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine does not rule out that Russia may launch an offensive in northern Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Russian army is considering the possibility of launching an offensive on Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions. It’s possible that Moscow may involve North Korean troops in the operation, said Andrii Cherniak, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, in an interview with Japan's NHK.
According to him, North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces have fully adopted modern combat tactics, posing a serious threat on the battlefield.
He noted that North Korean losses currently amount to around 5,000 soldiers. Another 6,000 troops sent by Pyongyang are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region and may continue fighting.
Following recent losses, North Korean forces have adjusted their tactics, now operating in small groups of one or two soldiers. They have learned to use drones and electronic warfare systems, and are being trained in Russian weaponry and battlefield strategies.
Cherniak also mentioned that while a language barrier between Russian and North Korean forces was expected, North Korean soldiers carry out combat tasks without needing to communicate verbally with Russian troops.
The intelligence official emphasized that Russia is weighing an offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv regions, and the involvement of North Korean troops in that campaign cannot be ruled out.
He also added that half of the artillery shells used by Russia are now produced in North Korea, which also supplies missiles to Russia.
North Korea fights against Ukraine
Last fall, it became known that North Korea had sent troops to Russia. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Pyongyang likely sent around 12,000 of its military personnel.
Russia involved North Korean forces in combat operations in the Kursk region. After suffering significant losses, the DPRK military was withdrawn from the front line. However, later, Russia sent the North Korean soldiers into combat again.
According to South Korean intelligence, Pyongyang has sent additional troops to support Russia.
It's also worth noting that North Korea supplies Russia with ammunition, ballistic missiles, and weapons systems, including artillery.
