**North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses in Ukraine**
North Korea’s military presence in Ukraine is taking a heavy toll. In just seven days, around 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces.
US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said that some of these soldiers are choosing to take their own lives rather than risk capture by Ukrainian forces. This decision is likely made out of fear for the safety of their families back in North Korea.
**North Korea’s First Deployment Abroad**
In October, Ukraine reported that North Korea had deployed around 10,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. Russian officials have been hesitant to acknowledge this presence, but it seems they are desperate for help due to high casualties and recruitment difficulties in the war.
**Russian Leaders‘ Concerns**
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also accused Russian troops of burning the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their losses. This is a worrying sign of the desperation of Russia’s leaders as they struggle to defend against Ukrainian forces.
**US Views on the Deployment**
A senior US military official said that North Korea’s lack of combat experience makes them vulnerable in battle, leading to significant casualties. The deployment of foreign troops on Russian soil represents a significant shift in Russian military strategy, according to Kirby, who called it a “historic move” that hasn’t been seen for decades.
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