North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Moscow in Russia’s Kursk region are given specific areas to attack without the use of armored vehicles for support, unlike their Russian counterparts. They continuously advance under heavy fire, sending waves of troops to take positions without securing them. They have unique tactics, such as using one soldier as a lure to shoot down drones and detonating grenades when gravely wounded.
The North Korean soldiers, operating separately from Russian forces, are highly trained for surgical strike missions but are essentially used as foot soldiers by the Russians. Despite their casualties, they remain motivated and brave on the battlefield. Reinforcements are expected in the coming months to join the fight in Kursk.
There have been challenges integrating North Korean soldiers into the battlefield, ranging from uniform sizing issues to communication problems leading to clashes. The Russians are making efforts to address these issues but have not yet formed a cohesive fighting force with the North Koreans. The North Koreans continue to advance with little regard for their own casualties, utilizing a “shock brigade” tactic from their military training.
The North Korean tactics have forced Ukrainian soldiers to adapt, targeting groups rather than individuals and adjusting mine placement to counter dense assaults. North Korean soldiers remove their dead and wounded from the battlefield, unlike Russian forces. The North Korean forces in Ukraine include high-ranking officers and generals who make strategic decisions at Russian headquarters.
Despite the high cost in casualties, the North Korean tactics are proving effective in wearing down Ukrainian troops and pushing front lines. The involvement of one of the world’s largest armies in the conflict marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war.