This has been possible without Russia being forced to withdraw soldiers from the most important front in eastern Ukraine, according to new American information. The goal is to retake territory controlled by Ukraine in Kursk in southwestern Russia, reports The New York Times.
Russian forces have already retaken part of the territory held by Ukraine since August. Ukrainian positions have been attacked with drones and artillery, but a larger counter-offensive has so far failed to materialize. Ukraine fears that an offensive involving North Korean forces will start in the coming days.
Training together in Kursk
Currently, North Koreans and Russians are training together in Kursk.
Ukraine and its Western allies view the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia as a significant escalation after two years of Russia's war of aggression. North Korea has sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia, according to American estimates.
The soldiers wear Russian uniforms and equipment, but are likely to fight in their own units.
Russian equipment
The North Koreans have been equipped with machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles, and rocket launchers, according to Ukraine. They have also been trained in combat tactics, indicating that they will be used in direct combat.
We assume that the North Korean soldiers may be involved in combat, said Sabrina Singh, spokesperson for the US Department of Defense Pentagon, earlier this week.
The North Korean soldiers have, according to Ukraine, been divided into a combat group and a support unit. North Korea has a significant army, but unlike Russia, has not been involved in conflicts for decades.
