ISW analysts analyzed the tactics of the North Korean military in Kursk.

North Korea continues the offensive in Kursk, facing significant losses

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), North Korean forces continue to advance in Kursk, although they are experiencing constant attacks from Ukrainian drones. As a result, significant losses are occurring among North Korean forces.

The tactics of the Russian troops, on the other hand, involve conducting attacks in small groups and observing the successes of the North Koreans. However, poor communication between the Russian and North Korean troops complicates the quick establishment of new positions.

According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), North Korean forces are conducting assaults in groups of 400-500 individuals, with a total number that is six times greater than the Ukrainian military.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that as of January 5, there were 3,800 dead and wounded among North Korean troops.

ISW continues to assess that North Korea's ability to learn lessons gained during combat with Russian troops may deteriorate if Russian military command uses North Korean forces in attacks that lead to high levels of infantry exhaustion. This is especially relevant in cases where the number of North Korean forces exceeds the number of Russian personnel.

This tactic negatively affects the ability of North Korean troops to effectively counter the UAVs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the General Staff of the AFU, throughout the entire operation in the Kursk region of Russia, the occupying army has lost more than 38,000 servicemen, including about 15,000 dead.

The AFU operation started on August 6, 2024, and marked a new phase in the confrontation with Russian aggression. This is the first Time in 11 years of war that hostilities have moved onto the territory of the aggressor country.