KYIV, Ukraine — For several weeks, Ukrainian forces have been preparing for an unprecedented adversary: soldiers from North Korea, who have been introduced to support Russian troops following Ukraine’s swift advance into Russia’s Kursk region during the summer.

Their deployment signifies a concerning escalation in the ongoing conflict. Although initially lacking experience on the battlefield, North Korean soldiers have quickly adapted to their environment, a development that could have significant implications as they accumulate combat experience in the war.

In contrast to the Russian forces that Ukraine has encountered for nearly three years, the surge of North Korean soldiers has left Kyiv’s troops uncertain about what to anticipate from this new faction, which joined the fray after an agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang assured military collaboration using “all means” should either party come under attack.

One Ukrainian serviceman who has encountered North Korean troops in combat characterized them as rigorously disciplined and methodical, noting that they appeared more professional than their Russian peers. This soldier requested anonymity to maintain confidentiality on sensitive military matters.

However, insights from other soldiers, including those in Ukraine’s special forces, reveal a mix of opinions: some have shared drone footage on the social media platform Telegram, ridiculing the North Koreans for utilizing outdated tactics.

Despite these differing perspectives, there is a collective understanding among Ukrainian troops and military intelligence that while North Korean soldiers arrived with limited battlefield experience, they are rapidly becoming more acquainted with modern combat.

With a military force of 1.2 million, North Korea boasts one of the largest standing armies in the world. Nonetheless, their foreign military engagements since the Korean War have been sparse, resulting in limited exposure to contemporary warfare technologies like drones.

“For the first time in decades, the North Korean army is gaining significant military experience,” stated Andrii Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. “This poses a global challenge—not just for Ukraine and Europe, but for the whole world.”

**Identifying the Presence of North Korean Troops**

Despite claims from Ukrainian, U.S., and South Korean sources indicating that 10,000-12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia in the Kursk area, the Kremlin has not officially recognized the involvement of North Korean forces.

Reports of North Korean troops emerged in October, but Ukrainian confirmations of their engagement on the battlefield only surfaced in December.

Analysts believe that without the reinforcement of North Korean troops, Russia would have faced difficulties in continuing its strategy of overwhelming Ukraine by deploying massive numbers of soldiers in battles around Kursk.

While Russia’s counteroffensive has resulted in significant Ukrainian casualties, Kyiv’s forces have managed to retain control of approximately half of the 984 square kilometers (380 square miles) of territory captured in August, although the situation remains fluid. Beyond the symbolic impact of reclaiming Russian territory, control of Kursk could serve as leverage in future ceasefire discussions.

According to Ukraine’s intelligence agency, North Korean troops are operating in conjunction with Russian units, which provide reconnaissance and electronic warfare support.

Reports indicate that these North Korean soldiers wear Russian military uniforms and carry fake identification, making it possible for them to be mistaken for Russian personnel.

This concealment allows Moscow and its representatives at the United Nations to deny their presence, as stated by Yusov.

Among the evidence confirming their presence are intercepted communications revealing the North Koreans speaking in Korean accents, according to Yusov.

He emphasized that the North Korean troops are utilizing their own weapons and equipment while learning to navigate improvised explosive devices—an experience that even some NATO countries lack.

“This represents a new level of threat,” Yusov concluded. “Regional countries must be prepared for the implications this carries for the future.”

**North Koreans Gain Invaluable Experience on the Battlefield**

The initial errors of the North Korean forces stemmed from their inexperience, with reports indicating they often moved in large groups across open terrains, making them easy targets for drones and artillery.

Observations from Ukrainian military units revealed North Korean soldiers moving in single-file through forests in small groups, and on open ground, they dispersed in formations, which exposed them to significant risks and led to numerous casualties.

In contrast, during nighttime operations, their movements were quick, employing red flashlights to navigate routes, according to reports.

“They are agile, physically fit, and follow their procedures strictly,” noted the Ukrainian soldier who spoke about their tactics. “Years of repeating the same routines can yield results when executed instinctively.”

Despite their strict discipline, their lack of combat experience has affected their overall effectiveness, leading to heavy losses, with Ukrainian military officials reporting many North Koreans have fallen victim to drone strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimated that 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded, while U.S. sources provided a lower figure of around 1,200.

“The military doctrines and training of North Korea are often based on strategies from over half a century ago,” shared Glib Voloskyi, a military analyst from the Ukrainian think tank CBA Initiatives Center.

The large-group formations were relevant when artillery was less accurate, and watching troop movements presented more challenges. Nowadays, reconnaissance technology and first-person view drones have established a clear battlefield, making it easy to spot exposed soldiers.

“However, it’s only a matter of time before they enhance their skills and combat effectiveness, which, combined with their discipline and training, could transform them into a formidable military force,” Voloskyi added.

**No Surrender Policy Means Few North Korean POWs**

After weeks of conflict, Ukrainian soldiers have captured merely two North Korean prisoners of war. Announcing the capture, President Zelenskyy remarked that it was “not easy” to secure their existence due to efforts to hide the North Koreans and avoid interrogation.

Zelenskyy explained that North Korean soldiers are conditioned to avoid surrender at all costs.

This attitude may be influenced by internal propaganda that equates capture with ultimate disgrace, according to analysts.

“To be taken alive is perceived as a betrayal of the country, its leader, and everything they uphold,” stated Seongmin Lee from the New York-based Human Rights Foundation, who defected from North Korea in 2009.

Such beliefs are ingrained from a young age and perpetuated throughout military training. “The disgrace of surrender prompts heroic soldiers to use their last bullets on themselves,” Lee pointed out.

Lee shared that he transmitted images of deceased North Korean soldiers to contacts in his homeland, emphasizing that “most North Koreans remain unaware of the ongoing conflict.”

Dorothy Camille Shea, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., highlighted the hazards arising from the North Korean troops’ rapidly evolving battlefield capabilities.

North Korea is “significantly benefiting from receiving Russian military resources, technology, and experience, making it increasingly capable of engaging in conflicts with its neighbors,” Shea stated during a recent U.N. Security Council session.

She added that North Korea “will likely seek to use these advancements to enhance weapons sales and military training commitments globally.”