Vladimir Putin has gathered a force of 40,000 Russian soldiers and 10,000 North Korean troops in preparation for an assault on Kursk, reports indicate. The Kremlin leader aims to retake territory that Ukraine reclaimed in August. Ukrainian officials told the New York Times that the attack could commence within days.
North Korean troops ready to engage
According to US and Ukrainian sources, the 10,000 North Korean soldiers are integrated into Russian units but will fight in their own formations. These troops, outfitted in Russian uniforms and equipped by Moscow, have undergone training in infantry tactics, artillery usage, and trench warfare.
Ukraine braces for conflict
Ukraine has fortified its positions within the Kursk region and is confident in its ability to resist the forthcoming offensive. However, Russian forces have already launched shelling and rocket attacks on Ukrainian defensive lines.
Initial skirmishes lead to casualties
Reports reveal that up to 40 North Korean soldiers have been killed during initial clashes with Ukrainian forces. One injured soldier, speaking from a makeshift hospital, expressed frustration, claiming that the North Koreans were misled by Russian commanders. He stated, “We were told we would guard infrastructure but were sent into an assault without intelligence, ammunition, or proper weapons.”
Trump’s election victory brings uncertainty
The impending Russian offensive coincides with Donald Trump’s recent presidential election victory, which could alter the dynamics of the war and potential peace negotiations. Speculation abounds regarding whether Trump may shift US policy in favor of Putin’s objectives. President Zelensky, however, noted that Trump has provided reassurances of continued support for Ukraine, according to Axios.
Troop morale and distractions
In addition to battlefield casualties, North Korean troops have encountered unexpected issues. Soldiers reportedly gained unrestricted internet access for the first time and became distracted by online content, including pornography. Financial Times commentator Gideon Rachman remarked on X, “A reliable source tells me that North Korean soldiers in Russia have never had unfettered internet access before and are gorging on pornography.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has imposed strict internet restrictions within his country, permitting only select individuals to access the web. The latest study from 2016 revealed that North Koreans could only visit a mere 28 websites, emphasizing how limited their exposure had been prior to deployment in Russia.
