As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, reports have emerged detailing the extreme and nearly suicidal tactics employed by North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russian forces. Since November, these troops have been engaged in fierce combat along the southern Russian border in Kursk, adopting brutal strategies that have raised alarms among Ukrainian military officials.
Western intelligence estimates that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, with around 4,000 casualties reported due to injuries or fatalities. As Moscow grapples with manpower shortages ahead of potential escalations in the conflict, further reinforcements from Pyongyang are anticipated.
In interviews with Ukrainian special operations forces, CNN gained rare insights into the behavior and tactics of these North Korean troops. Ukrainian soldiers reported that the North Koreans displayed a remarkable unwillingness to surrender, often resorting to desperate measures rather than capitulating.
Disturbing combat tactics
One harrowing incident captured on video illustrates this grim reality. In the footage, a Ukrainian soldier approaches an injured North Korean lying face down. When the Ukrainian attempts to check on him, the North Korean screams before detonating a grenade next to his head. The last words of this soldier were reportedly “General Kim Jong Un,” highlighting their unwavering allegiance to their leader.
Commander Pokémon of Ukraine’s 6th Special Operations Forces remarked on the North Koreans’ tactics: “They utilize grenades, allowing them to self-destruct.” He emphasized their willingness to charge into battle with little regard for their safety, even when urged to surrender. This mindset appears rooted in a military culture that prioritizes loyalty and sacrifice.
Unprepared for modern warfare
Despite their training and resilience, North Korean soldiers are reportedly ill-equipped for the realities of modern warfare in Ukraine. Pokémon noted that their combat experience seems outdated, stating, “They are prepared for the realities of war in 1980 at best.” This lack of familiarity with contemporary battlefield dynamics has resulted in significant casualties as they engage in frontal assaults without adapting to the advanced drone warfare tactics employed by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian commanders described how North Koreans often remove their helmets and body armour plates to enhance mobility during attacks. Company commander Amur stated, “They’re very maneuverable, and they run and move very quickly,” making them difficult targets for drone surveillance.
Supplies and equipment
Reports indicate that the North Korean soldiers are equipped with modernized versions of Russian standard issue gear. However, many appear to lack essential supplies for survival. Amur noted that captured equipment from fallen North Korean soldiers revealed minimal provisions—mostly ammunition and little water—suggesting a reliance on seizing supplies from Ukrainian positions during combat.
Ukrainian forces have also reported capturing two North Korean soldiers earlier this month, providing further evidence of Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow. Video footage showed one soldier receiving medical treatment while speaking in Korean.
A culture of loyalty and discipline
Documents recovered from deceased North Korean soldiers reveal a culture steeped in loyalty to Kim Jong Un and an eagerness to gain combat experience. Notes found on fallen troops included pledges of allegiance and declarations of victory over Ukraine. One note ominously proclaimed, “The hammer of death to the unknown and the puppet trash is not far off.”
Additionally, records indicate that acts of disloyalty among North Korean ranks are meticulously documented, reflecting the totalitarian regime’s emphasis on accountability and discipline within its military ranks.
As Ukrainian forces continue to adapt their strategies against this formidable new adversary, it is clear that North Korean soldiers are learning quickly on the battlefield. Their extreme tactics may pose significant challenges for Ukrainian troops as they navigate this complex conflict involving one of the world’s most militarized societies. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for potential escalations in hostilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
