Russia is considering a new offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions and may involve North Korean troops in these operations, according to Andrii Cherniak, a representative of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR), in an interview with Japan’s NHK.
Yusov said that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces have already adapted to modern combat tactics, posing a growing threat on the battlefield. He reported that North Korean losses currently amount to about 5,000 troops, while an additional 6,000 soldiers sent by Pyongyang are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region and may be deployed further.
Following these losses, North Korean units have reportedly changed their tactics: they now advance in small groups of one or two, have learned to operate drones and electronic warfare equipment, and continue to train in the use of Russian weapons and strategies.
Despite initial concerns about a language barrier, Yusov noted that North Korean soldiers are effectively carrying out combat tasks without needing to communicate with Russian troops.
He also emphasized that half of the shells used by Russian forces are now manufactured in North Korea, which also supplies missiles to Russia.
According to Andrii Cherniak, the involvement of North Korean troops in a potential Russian offensive on Ukraine’s northeast cannot be ruled out.
