**North Korean Troops in Ukraine Suffer Heavy Losses**
Russia has sent around 12,000 North Korean soldiers to fight in the region since August. Their main goal is to help Russian forces defeat Ukrainian troops.
Last month, Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka caused significant damage and killed many North Korean soldiers. A group of their mortar units was destroyed, and there were losses at other locations too.
Despite these heavy losses, Russian officers ordered the North Korean troops to stay in place. The Ukrainian military also reported that these forces are struggling with basic needs like water due to ongoing battles.
However, Russian forces are still supplying the North Korean soldiers with food and ammunition to keep them going and ready for more attacks.
**Casualties and Challenges**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on December 23rd that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured since they arrived in Ukraine. These losses are partly because the North Koreans don’t know how to use the local terrain or deal with modern drone attacks.
South Korean MP Lee Sung-kwon noted that Ukrainian drones have been very effective against the North Korean forces, mainly because of their lack of experience with these types of weapons and tactics.
Despite these challenges, the presence of North Korean troops has allowed Russian forces to regain some territory that was previously held by Ukrainian forces. This is a concerning development as it shows Russia’s growing reliance on North Korea for military support.
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