UKRAINE: North Korean soldiers disappear from battlefield, in suspicious circumstances –  Zelensky

According to Aljazeera, North Korean troops deployed to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine have reportedly disappeared from the battlefield, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced this week.

“Since mid-January, there have been no signs showing North Korean troops deployed to the Russian Kursk region engaging in battle, the NIS stated on Tuesday.

The revelation comes amid reports of heavy casualties among the estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia’s Kursk region last December.

According to the New York Times, these losses prompted their withdrawal or redeployment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that as many as 4,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded, nearly one-third of the contingent. South Korea’s NIS provided a slightly lower estimate of 3,000 casualties.

Reports from Ukrainian commanders claim that North Korean troops were often used to spearhead Russian offensives, facing brutal conditions. “They were ordered to end their own lives rather than be captured, or were shot by their own side, Zelenskyy said.

While Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify these claims, Zelenskyy warned of reinforcements. “As many as 25,000 additional North Korean troops are en route to Kursk, he told The Associated Press.

Experts believe the absence of North Korean troops may signify a temporary regrouping rather than a permanent withdrawal.

The conflict continues to take a toll on Russian forces. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence estimated that Russian casualties in January alone exceeded 48,000, with a significant portion concentrated in Pokrovsk, a town in the Donetsk region.

“In January of this year alone, our soldiers neutralized more than 15,000 invaders in Pokrovsk, of which about 7,000 were killed, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii said.

Despite these sacrifices, territorial gains have been modest. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia captured 498 square kilometers (192 square miles) of territory in January, compared to 593 square kilometers (229 square miles) in December.

“The decrease in seized territory, coupled with similar casualty rates, indicates that Russian forces are sustaining high losses for fewer territorial advances, the ISW noted.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to target Ukrainian civilians with relentless airstrikes. Last week alone, Russia launched 660 drones, 50 missiles, and 760 glide bombs into Ukraine, Zelenskyy said.

One of the deadliest attacks occurred on Saturday, when a missile struck an apartment building in Poltava, killing 14 people and injuring 22.

“This was just one Russian missile bringing so much pain, suffering and loss, Zelenskyy lamented. “That is why Ukraine and real peace require guarantees.

Ukraine’s European allies, including Sweden and Finland, have pledged billions in military aid.

However, the United States under President Donald Trump has made military support conditional on Ukraine offering its mineral resources, including lithium and uranium in return.

“We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things, Trump said on Monday.

As the war grinds on, both Russia and Ukraine are grappling with manpower and resource challenges.

The ISW estimates it could take Russia two more years to fully conquer Donetsk, while Ukraine is reinforcing its depleted front-line units with reservists.

The conflict shows no signs of abating, with escalating losses and international stakes continuing to shape its trajectory.

Source: Opera News