- As of mid-January 2025, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) forces had highly likely sustained around 4,000 casualties in offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk oblast, Russia. Of these, approximately a quarter were killed in action.
- The total casualties amount to more than a third of the approximately 11,000 DRPK combat troops deployed to the Kursk region. The high rate of DPRK losses in a short time period has almost certainly significantly deteriorated DPRK forces capacity to conduct offensive combat operations in support of Russia’s attempts to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk.
- Despite significant combat casualties, DPRK troops have only achieved tactical gains in Kursk. Russian and DPRK forces are almost certainly experiencing interoperability difficulties. The two forces do not share a common language and DPRK troops almost certainly have difficulties integrating into Russia’s command-and-control structure.
Latest Defence intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 24 January 2025.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 24, 2025
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Idzs6a74bB #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/NQftcmX5fM
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Ukraine’s capture of two North Korean soldiers in Kursk reveals Pyongyang’s deepening role in Russia’s war. Confiscated items suggest strict orders and concealed identities.
Jan. 20