Part 8/13:
On the Ukrainian front, the involvement of North Korean troops—initially reported to be around 11,000—is now under scrutiny. A UK defense intelligence assessment indicates that approximately half of these soldiers, roughly 6,000, have been killed or injured, highlighting the high casualty rate of North Korean forces in Russian-occupied areas like Kursk. North Korea’s engagement in Russia’s war is formally backed by a mutual defense pact, with Pyongyang supplying missiles, artillery, and advanced military technology to Moscow in exchange for oil, satellite technology, and military advice. Despite this alliance, North Korea’s troops are suffering significant losses, and additional reinforcements have struggled to stem the relentless attrition inflicted by Russian and Ukrainian forces, suggesting North Korea’s military support may be less effective than intended.