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Ukraine-Russia war enters its third year, the conflict has evolved into a proxy battleground with far-reaching international implications. Among the most alarming developments is North Korea’s growing involvement on Russia’s side, contributing soldiers, arms, and military expertise to Moscow’s war efforts. This alliance raises significant concerns about the global balance of power and the risks posed by authoritarian regimes working in unison.
The Deployment of North Korean Troops
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently disclosed that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. According to Ukrainian intelligence, approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the region since August, marking a significant escalation in Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow.
These troops, largely inexperienced in modern warfare, have faced high casualty rates, particularly in areas involving drone combat — a key component of Ukraine’s military strategy. South Korean sources have corroborated these reports, noting that the lack of training and familiarity with advanced combat technologies has made North Korean units particularly vulnerable.
