North Korean forces are facing heavy casualties as they engage in "human wave" attacks against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region of Russia, according to a statement from the White House. The spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, reported that more than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past week alone.
Kirby described the North Korean troops as being treated as expendable and sent on "hopeless assaults" against Ukrainian defenses. He noted that the soldiers appeared to be highly indoctrinated, pushing forward with attacks even when it was clear they were futile.
The North Korean troops first arrived in Russia in October, and Ukraine launched its first attack against them in November. South Korean and Western intelligence sources have reported mounting losses among the North Korean forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Kursk. Despite having one of the largest militaries in the world, North Korea has little battle experience and some troops are ill-prepared for drone attacks and the terrain in Kursk.
Kirby also mentioned reports of North Korean soldiers taking their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea. The US has committed to providing additional security assistance to Ukraine, including air defense systems, to support their efforts against both North Korean forces and Russian aggression.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it is imperative for international observers to monitor the situation closely and work towards a peaceful resolution to avoid further loss of life and escalating conflict.