The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) troops are currently engaged in offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk region, russia. The DPRK troops have highly likely sustained significant combat casualties but so far only achieved tactical gains. Around 11,000 DPRK combat troops have deployed to Kursk region, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Russian and North Korean forces are almost certainly experiencing interoperability difficulties. The two forces do not share a common language and the DPRK troops almost certainly have difficulties integrating into russia’s command and control structure.
Read more: Why russia Hides North Korean Troops in Kursk Combat Operations
Russia and the DPRK have deepened their bilateral partnership with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause, taking effect from December 4, 2024. For russia, North Korea’s military support to their war in Ukraine has highly likely been the core driver for the partnership and has until recently, centred around North Korea’s provision of arms. In return, the DPRK has received high level international support from russia and has secured a trading partner willing to break sanctions.
Read more: North Korean Troops in Kursk: New Tactics Emerge Amid Losses
