Over 3,500 North Korean troops training in Russia’s Far East, possible third deployment

South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon of the conservative People Power Party stated on March 5 that more than 3,500 North Korean soldiers are undergoing acclimatization training at five locations in Russia’s Far East, with the possibility of a third deployment.

Following his trip to Ukraine, Rep. Yu released a statement citing a briefing by Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, detailing North Korea’s military involvement in Russia.

Successive Deployments and Combat Losses

North Korea initially dispatched around 11,000 troops to Russia in October 2023, followed by a second deployment between January and February 2024. Citing Ukraine’s intelligence agency, Rep. Yu reported that the second contingent included around 1,500 North Korean troops, who have already been stationed near Kursk after completing their training.

According to Ukraine’s intelligence, as of February 26, an estimated 400 North Korean soldiers had been killed in combat, with approximately 3,600 wounded. Among the injured, about 300 were treated and returned to the front lines.

Integration with Russian Forces and Tactical Role

In the Kursk region, Russian and North Korean troops have been integrated into joint combat units, with Ukrainian intelligence estimating the total force at 63,000 soldiers. Rep. Yu also noted the existence of North Korean-exclusive units, clarifying that while Russian officers issue orders during combat, there is no interaction between the two forces outside of battle. Logistical support is entirely managed by the Russian military.

Signs of North Korean Troops’ Harsh Conditions

“There have been frequent sightings of North Korean soldiers trying to borrow mobile phones from Russian troops,” Rep. Yu said. “Additionally, an analysis of captured tablet PCs revealed a significant amount of ideological, political, and propaganda training materials.”

North Korean Troops Aim to Gain Modern Warfare Experience

Interrogations of captured North Korean soldiers revealed that their primary objective is to gain real-world experience in modern warfare. Rep. Yu also shared assessments from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, which have engaged in combat with North Korean troops.

“According to Ukrainian forces, five North Korean soldiers possess combat capabilities equivalent to ten Russian soldiers,” Rep. Yu said. “They are known for their physical endurance and apparent lack of fear.”

Brutal Combat Tactics and Psychological Warfare Efforts

A high-ranking Ukrainian military official reportedly questioned the North Koreans’ relentless combat tactics, stating, “Despite suffering heavy casualties, they continue to charge forward recklessly. We can’t understand why they are so desperate.”
Psychological warfare efforts, including surrender inducement leaflets and propaganda broadcasts targeting North Korean troops, have reportedly had little effect.

By Mooyoung Lee  [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]