Russia releases first video of North Korean troops training in Kursk

For the first time, Russia has released footage showing North Korean troops conducting combat training in Kursk, following its official acknowledgment of the troop deployment.

On April 28, Vladimir Solovyov, a host on Russia’s state-run broadcaster, shared the video via his Telegram channel. He stated that the Russian Ministry of Defense had made public scenes of North Korean soldiers training in Kursk, a region they reportedly helped to “liberate.”

In the footage, North Korean soldiers are seen performing live-fire rifle drills and launching RPGs under the supervision of North Korean commanders. At one point, an officer can be heard shouting “to the very end.” The video also shows North Korean troops practicing grenade throwing after demonstrations by Russian soldiers, running through trenches, and singing military songs while marching at dusk.

Details of Training and Symbolism

According to TASS news agency, the North Korean forces also trained to destroy enemy drones using 12-gauge shotguns. A striking detail in the footage was the appearance of St. George’s ribbons affixed in a cross shape to the helmets of the North Korean troops. This ribbon, featuring two orange and three black stripes, traces its origins to the Order of St. George established by Empress Catherine the Great in 1769. It has since become a widely used symbol of Russian military victory, especially after the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2005.

As the 80th anniversary of Russia’s Victory Day approaches on May 9, streets across Russia have been decorated with orange and black ribbons reminiscent of this symbol.

Reports of Troop Strength and Battlefield Performance

Russian media, citing military experts, reported that North Korean forces demonstrated significant combat capabilities in Kursk. Anatoly Matviychuk, a military expert, told Argumenty i Fakty (Aif) that North Korea may have dispatched elite units to Kursk, estimating total deployment figures between 10,000 and 50,000 soldiers. Earlier estimates suggested a force between 10,000 and 12,000.

Matviychuk speculated that North Korea, which has had no major combat experience since the 1950s, might have deployed troops to prepare for potential conflicts against Western forces.

Military analyst Vladislav Shurygin praised the North Korean troops in Aif, stating that their physical endurance, tactical training, and weapons proficiency were exceptional. He emphasized that they remained calm and courageous even in the most challenging moments.

Russian Officials Praise North Korean Forces

Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee, said in an interview with Lenta.ru that North Korean forces gained real combat experience in Kursk. He acknowledged significant casualties among the North Korean troops but described their sacrifice as a repayment of Russia’s support for North Korea during the Korean War.

Kolesnik further praised the North Korean soldiers for their bravery, noting that even experienced Russian officers admired their fighting spirit and fearlessness in battle.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a public statement thanking North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the active role of North Korean units in repelling what he described as a Ukrainian “neo-Nazi” invasion of Russian territory.

North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also reported the participation of North Korean troops in the Kursk liberation operations, citing a written statement from the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission.

BY MOOYOUNG LEE   [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]