Back to the Front: The Return of North Korean Troops to Kursk

By Sam Dantzler

In December 2024, approximately 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to the front lines of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, providing support to Russian forces in various roles. Their involvement included aiding in repelling a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region that began the previous August. Ukrainian forces have reported that the North Korean troops face significant challenges, including inadequate equipment and training, which are easily outmatched by their Ukrainian opposition. According to reports out of the Ukraine, up to a third of the initial North Korean troops were killed, largely serving as expendable forces in Russia’s offensive. Because of these casualties, North Korean support on the battlefield has seemingly disappeared over the last month. During this period, many experts have speculated that the absence of North Korean forces on the battlefield is part of a larger regrouping effort in preparation for a joint Russia-North Korea offensive in the Kursk region.

At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia could be deploying up to 3,000 additional North Korean troops to the Kursk front line as it prepares for a renewed offensive in the region. This continuation of troop supply from North Korea to Russia highlights the growing bilateral relationship between the two countries. In exchange for military support, it is believed that Russia is helping to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities. This includes providing advanced anti-aircraft, submarine, and missile systems, as well as additional assistance in strengthening North Korea’s defense capabilities.

As the war continues, the role of North Korean troops in supporting Russia highlights the deepening military and diplomatic ties between the two nations. However, the ongoing challenges faced by North Korean forces raise questions about their long-term effectiveness on the battlefield and the potential consequences of further escalation in the Kursk region. Given the North Korean troops’ previous experience on the Ukrainian battlefield, it seems unlikely that this influx of ill-prepared forces will have any significant impact, other than serving as cannon fodder for Russian offensives.