Ukraine: "North Korean troops deployed on Russia's front line have no drinking water"

Ukraine Claims Attack on Kursk North Korean Military Unit
"Suffering Heavy Damage and Supply Issues... Facing Drinking Water Shortage"

Ukraine has claimed that North Korean troops deployed on the front lines in Kursk, Russia, are facing supply issues and experiencing a shortage of drinking water. On the 26th (local time), the Associated Press reported, "Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) under the Ministry of Defense announced that its forces attacked North Korean units near Novoyvanovka in western Kursk Oblast, Russia, inflicting heavy damage."

The appearance of North Korean soldiers revealed by Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine. Telegram

It is currently estimated that North Korea has deployed about 10,000 to 12,000 troops to the Kursk region to support Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on the 23rd that the number of North Korean soldiers killed or wounded in the battles in the Kursk region has exceeded 3,000. If this claim is accurate, it means that a quarter of the deployed North Korean forces have been lost.

In August, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack crossing the border and temporarily occupied an area exceeding 1,000 square kilometers in Kursk. Although Russia launched a counterattack and recaptured some territory, it has not fully restored control, resulting in a stalemate on the front lines.

On the 24th, Ukraine's Special Operations Command released a handwritten letter found on the body of a North Korean soldier killed in the Kursk region. Ukrainian authorities stated, "Special operations forces of the Ukrainian military have been continuously killing North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia," and identified the deceased soldier as 'Jung Kyung-hong.'

A handwritten letter found in the arms of a North Korean soldier who died on the battlefield. Telegram

The letter read, "Dear homeland, leaving the warm embrace of my father and mother, here on Russian soil, I celebrate the birthday of my closest comrade and friend, Song Ji-myung... I sincerely hope for your health and send birthday greetings. December 9, 2024." It is believed to be an undelivered letter.

Earlier, The New York Times (NYT), citing U.S. intelligence officials, reported that "the deployment was North Korea's idea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly accepted it." However, U.S. officials stated, "It is unclear how effective North Korean troops are on the battlefield."