Unyielding Warriors: The Suicidal Tactics Of North Korean Troops Fighting For Russia

In the brutal landscape of modern warfare, North Korean soldiers deployed to the southern Russian border region of Kursk have showcased extraordinary and often near-suicidal tactics. From detonating grenades under their chins to avoid capture, to using fellow soldiers as bait for drone attacks, these troops exemplify unwavering loyalty to their Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un. Since November, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to bolster Russian forces against Ukraine, with Western intelligence estimating that around 4,000 have been killed or injured.

Facing manpower shortages ahead of a potential escalation, Moscow is expected to receive more reinforcements from Pyongyang, according to Ukrainian defense intelligence. Rare insights into these soldiers' operations were shared by Ukrainian special forces, who described the North Koreans’ refusal to surrender during intense combat.

In one chilling instance captured on video, a Ukrainian soldier encountered a wounded North Korean who, rather than yield, screamed in Korean and detonated a grenade under his chin. His final words reportedly were, “General Kim Jong Un.”

Relentless and Unorthodox Tactics

Ukrainian soldiers report that North Korean troops persist in frontal assaults, even after suffering devastating losses. Stripping off helmets and body armor for speed, they maneuver unpredictably, making them challenging to target with drones. They leave destruction in their wake, using anti-tank mines and grenade launchers to obliterate every obstacle.

Amur, a Ukrainian company commander, highlighted their minimal supplies: small amounts of water, basic survival gear, and ample ammunition. Despite their endurance and advanced equipment, including AK-12 rifles, their combat strategies appear outdated, rooted in tactics from decades past.

Loyalty to Kim Jong Un and Ruthlessness in Battle

Captured documents reveal handwritten pledges of allegiance to Kim Jong Un and declarations of invincibility. Some notes suggest soldiers view their deployment as a chance to gain combat experience for future conflicts closer to home. Others detail acts of disloyalty, a practice in line with North Korea's totalitarian regime, which encourages citizens to report one another.

Ukrainian forces shared gruesome accounts of the North Koreans' methods. A battalion commander, call sign Bandit, described their precision in shooting down drones and their cold-blooded treatment of captured Ukrainian soldiers, who were reportedly executed with shots to the back of the head.

Desperation Meets Innovation

Despite suffering heavy casualties, North Korean soldiers have adapted to the battlefield’s realities, employing extreme measures to counter Ukraine’s drone warfare. One captured note detailed a tactic where soldiers use themselves as bait to draw drones into range for others to destroy them.

The grim resolve of these soldiers underscores their indoctrination and loyalty to their regime. As the war continues, their presence on the battlefield represents not only a significant boost to Russia’s manpower but also a chilling glimpse into the lengths a militarized society will go to achieve its objectives.

In a conflict defined by evolving tactics and technology, the role of North Korean troops fighting for Russia serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unwavering allegiance and the relentless pursuit of ideological warfare.