**North Korean Soldiers Still Fighting in Ukraine**
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, said that around 8,000 North Korean soldiers are still fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
This contradicts a previous report by The New York Times, which stated that North Korean troops had been pulled from the front. However, Budanov did say that the number of North Korean troops has decreased, and Ukraine is trying to understand why.
**Heavy Losses for North Korea**
At least 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and another 2,700 wounded fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Budanov suggested that the heavy losses may be due to the North Korean army‘s lack of combat experience and its tactic of using “human waves” attacks with limited equipment.
**Ukraine’s Defense**
Budanov also noted that Ukraine’s defense is being made more challenging by the North Korean soldiers’ disregard for personal safety. He said that they are willing to advance on foot against Ukrainian drones and artillery because of their loyalty to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukraine’s energy system is facing challenges due to Russian attacks and higher consumption. Emergency power shutdowns have been introduced in eight Ukrainian oblasts.
The European Commission has signed a two-year strategy for energy independence and resilience with Moldova, allocating 250 million euros to Chisinau in 2025.
**Russian Actions**
Russian commanders in the Kupiansk sector are ordering their soldiers to retake positions from which they retreated under Ukrainian fire, threatening them with execution if they refuse.
Russia launched 65 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones against Ukraine overnight, but most of them were shot down or lost.