The White House has confirmed that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine war are being sent into ineffective “human wave” assaults, resulting in significant casualties. John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, backed reports from South Korea, revealing that around 1,000 North Korean troops were killed or injured in just one week in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise attack in August.
Kirby explained that North Korean commanders have been using mass dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions, but these tactics have failed, leading to heavy losses. “These human wave tactics havenโt really been all that effective,” he said, noting the high casualty rate.
The soldiers, sent by Pyongyang to aid Russia’s invasion, are reportedly so afraid of being captured that some have taken their own lives. “Terrified troops sent by Pyongyang to boost Russiaโs invasion of its Western-friendly neighbor are committing suicide rather than risking capture,” Kirby added.
Since their deployment, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since their involvement began.
