• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports back on the front line in Russia's Kursk region.
• North Korean troops had previously been withdrawn after suffering heavy casualties.
• Reports indicate "hundreds" of both Russian and North Korean soldiers have been destroyed in renewed assaults.
• North Koreans were initially deployed to support Russian forces amid a Ukrainian offensive.
• Experts warn North Korean tactics may be leading to unsustainable losses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that North Korean forces have rejoined Russian troops on the front lines in the Kursk region. This follows reports that these soldiers had been temporarily pulled from combat due to significant losses during skirmishes with Ukrainian forces. In his address, Zelenskyy highlighted the resumption of assaults in the area, stating, "The Russian army and North Korean soldiers have been brought in again." He disclosed that “hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers” had been destroyed during these recent clashes, emphasizing the continued intensity of the conflict between Ukraine and Russian-aligned forces.

According to intelligence reports from Business Insider and Channel News Asia, North Korean troops had been largely absent from the battlefield for weeks prior to this announcement, raising questions about their operational readiness following heavy casualties previously sustained in combat. The UK Ministry of Defence had noted that these troops, approximately 11,000 in number sent to assist Russian efforts, were likely withdrawn to recuperate due to heavy losses. The high casualty rate is deemed unsustainable, as military analysts assess the effectiveness of North Korean troops, many of whom lack experience in modern combat scenarios.

This is particularly concerning given that North Korean soldiers were allegedly employed in "cannon fodder" roles, rushing front lines in a manner reminiscent of World War II tactics, which experts believe may lead to further escalated losses. Additionally, Zelenskyy's announcement underscores not only the precarious situation on the ground in Kursk but also the strength of Ukrainian forces, who have successfully claimed significant areas of territory amidst ongoing military operations, which began over six months ago. The ongoing presence of North Korean military units in Ukraine marks a rare situation where foreign combatants have crossed into Russian territory, suggesting a deepening of defense collaboration between North Korea and Russia amid escalating tensions in the region.

For further details, see the full report from BBC.