North Korean troops adapt tactics amidst heavy losses in Russia
North Korean soldiers are still fighting in the Kursk region. Ukrainian military expert Sergey Grabski warns that they are undergoing additional training in Russia, which will enable them to handle weapons used in the Russo-Ukrainian war more effectively. He also explains why Kim Jong Un's army is so determined and difficult to demotivate.
Grabski pointed out that the North Koreans initially used outdated tactical techniques in the Kursk region, which led to significant losses. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, these losses have reached about 4,000 soldiers. North Korean prisoners admitted in their first media interview that they were surprised by the actions and weaponry of the Ukrainians, mainly underestimating drones.
North Koreans near Kursk are changing tactics
Stanisław Krasnow, a platoon commander of the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, confirmed in a conversation with the Unian agency that a change in tactics by the North Koreans was noticed in February.
Grabski believes these changes will become even more evident in the coming weeks, as additional training allows North Korean soldiers to better adapt to the realities of the Russo-Ukrainian war. They are likely learning how to operate selected Russian weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. Among some captured or neutralized North Koreans, Ukrainians had previously found firearms, including the Vepr-12 semi-automatic shotgun, likely used against drones, and the AK-12 automatic rifle, both Russian-made equipment.
The Kursk region is "swarming" with drones. Although Ukrainians have received various types of unmanned aerial vehicles from the West, they primarily rely on small FPV (first-person view) drones, which they can produce domestically. North Korean soldiers are competing against these small commercial drones equipped with cameras and explosive charges or grenades.
Why is it difficult to demotivate a North Korean soldier?
Grabski also elucidated why it is very difficult to demotivate North Korean soldiers.
He explained that the ranks include members of the security services loyal to the authorities in Pyongyang, who closely monitor soldiers' behavior on and off the battlefield. North Korea's isolation from the world, its propaganda, and concerns for the families left behind also play significant roles.
“We must realize that, in reality, the families of these North Korean soldiers are hostages of the regime, and this explains the desperation with which these people go into battle. It is impossible to demotivate them because they understand that if they are captured or switch to the Ukrainian side, their families will be physically harmed," said Grabski. He recalled that Kim Jong Un had no qualms about ordering the brutal execution of his uncle and would not hesitate to act against those who opposed him.
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