North Korea is reportedly preparing to deploy reinforcements, primarily artillery units, to Russia’s Kursk region within the next two months, according to a report from the military-focused news outlet War Zone on January 22.
Citing Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the outlet reported that the North Korean reinforcements will predominantly consist of missile and artillery units. These units are expected to operate hundreds of rocket launchers and KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles.
Budanov explained that North Korean artillery units have already been deployed to support Russian and North Korean joint operations on the frontlines. The missiles, meanwhile, are reportedly being used to strike Ukrainian targets designated by Russia.
The North Korean military is also anticipated to provide training to Russian forces on operating artillery and missile systems, Budanov noted. However, he emphasized that there is no indication North Korea will send ground combat troops as part of its reinforcements.
Earlier in the day, The New York Times, citing U.S. Department of Defense officials, reported that North Korean reinforcements could arrive in Kursk within two weeks. The report did not specify the size or composition of the forces.
Budanov also refrained from confirming the exact number or timeline of additional North Korean forces expected to arrive. According to his estimates, of the 12,000 North Korean troops previously deployed to the Kursk region, one-third—approximately 4,000—have been killed in action, leaving around 8,000 troops actively engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces.
Western officials have corroborated reports of North Korean casualties, stating that the North Korean military has suffered 4,000 casualties so far, including roughly 1,000 fatalities, according to the BBC.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
