North Korean Troops Withdraw from Ukraine Frontline
North Korean troops have been pulled back from the frontline in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and American officials. This withdrawal comes after devastating losses suffered by the North Korean forces.
Pyongyang sent roughly 11,000 soldiers to support Russia's war effort in November 2022. However, they quickly faced challenges due to poor tactics and a language barrier. Ukrainian special forces reported that North Korean troops have not been seen on the battlefield for around three weeks.
The New York Times reported that the withdrawn troops may return after receiving reinforcements and additional training. However, the last written notes of a North Korean soldier killed in battle suggest the brutal tactics they were forced to adapt to under Russian commanders.
The soldier's diary, found on December 21st and authenticated by experts, describes how North Korean troops were ordered to stand within seven meters of Ukrainian drones as covering soldiers attempted to shoot them down. The soldier also drew a crude picture depicting this tactic.
This diary was published a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers and proposed a prisoner swap with Pyongyang. In a video shared by Zelensky, both soldiers appeared injured. One soldier claimed he was unaware he was fighting in a war against Ukraine and believed he was participating in a training exercise.
One of the prisoners carried a Russian military ID card that Zelensky claimed was issued in another person's name. The Ukrainian intelligence agency SBU showed an ID card issued to a 26-year-old man from Russia's Tyva region bordering Mongolia.
11 Comments
Pupsik
North Korea should fix its military issues before attempting to support another country. This is embarrassing for everyone involved!
Marishka
North Korean soldiers aren't trained for modern warfare. Sending them was a bad idea from the start.
Pupsik
The North Korean military is obviously not ready for prime time. They need to rethink their strategies.
Marishka
I hope they focus on modernizing their tactics so they can be more effective and humane in any conflict.
Pupsik
North Korea needs to stay out of other countries' affairs. They can't even keep their own soldiers alive.
Loubianka
Sometimes it's better to pull back and come back stronger than to suffer unnecessary losses.
Noir Black
If they can't handle the battlefield, they shouldn't be there. Their tactics were ridiculous and deadly.
Eugene Alta
It's embarrassing that North Korean troops thought they could help Russia. They can't even fight properly!
Katchuka
Good riddance! We don't need more incompetent troops on the frontlines.
KittyKat
The only thing they succeeded at was getting themselves captured. What does that say about their military?
Loubianka
This is a clear sign that their military is more of a liability than an asset. Pathetic!