Ukraine Strikes North Korean Artillery in Russia’s Kursk Region
Ukraine targeted North Korean-supplied artillery in Russia’s Kursk, revealing North Korea’s support for Russia’s military efforts. Reports indicate that 12,000 North Korean soldiers are present in Russia, aiding in the conflict. The situation highlights a growing partnership between the two nations, focusing on military strategies to regain lost territories.
Ukraine’s military has reported that it successfully struck three M-1978 howitzers, long-range artillery provided by North Korea to Russia. This highlights North Korea’s significant role in supporting Russian military efforts against Ukraine during the ongoing conflict in Kursk. The Ukrainian 14th Separate Drone Regiment, through aerial reconnaissance, identified these artillery systems and coordinated an effective counterattack using Ukrainian rocket artillery.
The M-1978 Koksan artillery system, the longest-range artillery of North Korea, has a range of up to 60 kilometers and is equipped with a 170mm gun. Designed to potentially target Seoul, these systems are now being utilized by Russian forces in an attempt to mitigate their artillery losses on the battlefield.
There are an estimated 12,000 North Korean soldiers currently in Russia, aiding in the fight against Ukrainian forces who regained regions in Kursk during an August counteroffensive. This presence has not been confirmed by either North Korea or Russia. Evidence has been accumulating that North Korea has provided weaponry to Russia, potentially aimed at supporting Russian military operations.
In early February, a Ukrainian drone strike successfully hit a North Korean howitzer in the Luhansk region—this was the first recorded instance since the invasion began in 2022. Additionally, reports indicate that a troop formation equipped with North Korean artillery was detected in Russia’s Tyumen region late last year, which included modernized Koksan howitzers.
Recent South Korean intelligence indicated that North Korea had dispatched approximately 7,000 containers of weapons to Russia within a two-month period, totaling around 20,000 containers sent to the region thus far. This influx of North Korean troops and weaponry has reportedly contributed to Russia’s recent military successes, including the recapture of Sudzha, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has been reinforced through a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2023. A recent visit by a Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko included meetings with North Korean officials, which were likely focused on defense and troop deployments amid international calls for a ceasefire in the conflict.
The recent military actions reported by Ukraine reveal a deepening alignment between North Korea and Russia, with North Korean artillery being deployed against Ukrainian forces. The presence of North Korean troops bolsters Russia’s military capabilities, reflecting their commitment to reclaim territories lost during previous conflicts. Continued cooperation between North Korea and Russia suggests an intensifying collaboration against their respective adversaries in the region.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
