Reports have emerged claiming that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia are being used as de facto “human mine detectors” on the frontlines.
According to a report by the UK’s The Times on January 9, citing testimony from Colonel “Leopard” of Ukraine’s 33rd Independent Assault Battalion “Big Cats”, North Korean troops were observed engaging in this dangerous practice during battles near Makhnivka, a village in Russia’s Kursk region.
Leopard explained, “Where Ukrainians use mine-clearing vehicles, the North Korean military uses people.” He described how North Korean soldiers march in a single line, spaced 3 to 4 meters apart, and if one line triggers an explosion, medics follow to retrieve the bodies while the rest continue advancing. “This is their method of crossing minefields,” he said, referring to it as a “meat grinder strategy.” He also noted that North Korean commanders did not appear to be concerned about the high casualties.
Makhnivka, the site of these confrontations, was mentioned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on January 4, when he reported that an entire North Korean battalion was wiped out in just two days of fighting in the area. On January 7, Leopard’s battalion, alongside Ukraine’s 61st Mechanized Brigade, launched a counteroffensive to retake the village after another North Korean battalion advanced.
Leopard also reported that North Korean troops were mixed with Russian units to conceal their identities. He noted that they primarily used light weapons, such as machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars, without employing drones. However, he added, “We believe they have started learning how to operate drones, and it’s likely they will use them if the war continues.”
While Leopard acknowledged that the North Korean soldiers appeared well-trained and physically fit, he pointed out that they struggled with the unfamiliar weather and terrain, necessitating local guides. He revealed that his battalion captured one of the Russian guides, but noted that North Korean soldiers refused to be taken alive, choosing to either fight to the death or attempt escape.
BY JOOHEE HONG, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
