Ukraine Prepares for Potential Assaults Involving North Korean Troops
Ukraine is on high alert for a series of assaults involving North Korean soldiers who recently arrived in Russia’s western Kursk region. These troops are expected to play a crucial role in Moscow’s ongoing efforts to push back against Ukrainian forces that launched an invasion in August. The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, confirmed on Monday that the deployment of North Korean troops in the Kursk area represents “a dangerous expansion” of the conflict. According to Ukrainian and American officials, several thousand North Korean soldiers have been positioned in this strategic location.
On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine indicated that these North Korean troops are anticipated to enter combat operations as early as this week. This development has raised concerns among Ukrainian military leaders about an impending offensive.
A Ukrainian soldier engaged in combat in the Kursk region shared insights regarding the situation. Lt. Col. Artem Kholodkevych, the deputy commander of Ukraine’s 61st Mechanized Brigade, relayed via text message that commanders have issued warnings about a potential attack. “They have cautioned us about an imminent assault,” he stated. “It is likely to occur within the next few days.”
In a unique initiative, the Ukrainian Army has prepared a Ukrainian-Korean phrasebook designed to assist its troops in communicating with North Korean soldiers. This phrasebook aims to encourage North Korean troops to surrender, according to a Ukrainian officer who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter.
As the situation intensifies, Russian forces are engaged in a determined effort to reclaim the numerous square miles of territory lost to Ukrainian troops during a surprise cross-border offensive in August. In recent weeks, Russia has successfully regained control over several villages. Military analysts believe that the addition of North Korean soldiers to the battlefield could significantly enhance the effectiveness of Russian counterattacks.
