According to Pentagon estimates, North Korean forces are conducting intense attacks and have already lost around 1,000 soldiers on the territory held by Ukraine in Russia.
The American side claims that Pyongyang is not currently increasing its contingent in the Kursk region, but the situation could change.
"At this moment, they have sent about 12,000 servicemen, which certainly indicates a strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea. I cannot say that we see more, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send more in the future," added a representative from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Regarding the ineffectiveness of North Korean assaults against the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby commented on December 28. According to him, North Korean soldiers do not surrender but attempt to take their own lives, likely fearing retribution against their families in North Korea if captured.
"It is clear that the military leaders of Russia and North Korea view these troops as expendable and issue orders for hopeless attacks on Ukrainian fortifications. These North Korean soldiers appear to be highly propagandized; they charge into battle even when it becomes evident that it is futile," Kirby stated.