**North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses in Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says North Korean troops fighting for Russia against his country have suffered 4,000 casualties. Of these, two-thirds have been killed.
Zelensky made the claim at the Munich Security Conference on February 14. He said the morale of Pyongyang’s troops has been “broken” by the losses.
According to Zelensky, up to 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk Oblast last fall to support Russian forces in countering a Ukrainian incursion. However, these troops have now suffered heavy casualties due to their lack of combat experience and tactics such as human waves attacks with limited equipment.
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, suggested that North Korean soldiers attack “almost without any combat vehicles.” He also said their loyalty to Kim Jong-un makes them willing to advance on foot against Ukrainian drones and artillery, making Ukraine’s defense more challenging.
**Ukraine Boosts Drone Production**
In a bid to counter the heavy losses of North Korean troops, Quantum Systems, a German drone manufacturer operating in Ukraine, plans to double its drone production. The company operates two plants in Ukraine and will produce 6,000 AI-powered HX-2 attack drones for the country.
**Russia Expands Military Presence**
Zelensky also said Russia plans to deploy 15 divisions, totaling 100,000 to 150,000 troops, primarily in Belarus. This move has raised concerns about Russia’s military expansion and its intentions in the region.
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