North Korean troops deployed to aid Russia’s offensive in Ukraine have reportedly withdrawn from the Kursk region after suffering heavy losses, a Ukrainian military official told CNN.
Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, stated that no North Korean troops have been observed on the battlefield for the past three weeks.
“The presence of DPRK troops has not been observed for about three weeks, and they were probably forced to withdraw after suffering heavy losses,” Kindratenko said.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also confirmed reports of North Korean troops leaving the region.
North Korea’s Military Losses in Russia
According to Ukrainian officials and Western intelligence reports, around 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with an estimated 4,000 killed or injured in combat.
The North Korean troops were reportedly stationed in the Kursk region, where they were aiding Russia’s military efforts against Ukraine. However, Ukraine’s recent advances in Kursk, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on January 26, may have contributed to their withdrawal.
Conflicting Reports on Kursk Region
While Ukraine claims it has made territorial gains in Kursk, the Russian military asserts that it has recaptured the region. The exact situation remains unclear as both sides continue to release conflicting statements.
Sweden Sends Largest Defense Package to Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukraine has received its largest-ever defense package from Sweden, amounting to $1.23 billion (13.5 billion SEK).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, stating that the aid would help meet Ukraine’s military needs and strengthen its defense capabilities.
Sharing details on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy wrote:
“We deeply appreciate that this military aid meets the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army and significantly contributes to strengthening our defense capabilities. Peace through strength can be achieved.”
The Swedish aid package includes long-range weapons and investments in Ukraine’s weapons production, further boosting Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
