Ukraine’s military has struck three North Korean-supplied artillery guns in Russia’s Kursk, emphasizing North Korea’s involvement in aiding Russian forces. Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops are reported to be assisting Russia, despite both nations denying such claims. The collaboration, bolstered by a mutual defense treaty, signifies deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine has reported successful strikes against three M-1978 howitzers, artillery guns supplied by North Korea to Russia, demonstrating North Korea’s significant involvement in Russian military efforts against Ukraine in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military utilized aerial reconnaissance to identify the hidden artillery, coordinating strikes from their rocket units.
The M-1978 Koksan system, which boasts a 170mm gun with a range of up to 60 kilometers, was originally engineered to target Seoul from northern territories. Currently, it has been repurposed by Russian forces to mitigate their artillery losses during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to reports, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, assisting in military operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk area. This deployment remains unacknowledged by both Pyongyang and Moscow, despite increasing evidence that North Korea has been supplying weaponry to bolster Russia’s capabilities.
Notably, Ukrainian forces had previously struck a North Korean howitzer in Luhansk, marking a rare instance of utilizing drone technology against such targets. The presence of North Korean artillery units was also observed in Russia’s Tyumen region, indicating a broader trend of military collaboration between the two nations.
South Korea has indicated that North Korea dispatched approximately 7,000 containers of arms to Russia recently, contributing to a total of around 20,000 containers delivered over time. Additionally, Ukrainian sources have noted that North Korean troops and military equipment have bolstered Russian positions in past conflicts, enabling Russia to reclaim territory in the region.
The growing partnership between North Korea and Russia, particularly following a mutual defense treaty established in June, signifies deepened cooperation, especially concerning military affairs. Recent diplomatic engagements between Russian officials and their North Korean counterparts suggest ongoing discussions about strategies related to troop deployments and defense initiatives amid a backdrop of proposed ceasefire terms.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s military successful strikes against North Korean artillery systems underscore the intricate and evolving dynamics of international military cooperation, particularly between North Korea and Russia. The significant presence of North Korean troops and equipment in the conflict further highlights the strategic challenges facing Ukraine as it attempts to counter Russian advances in the Kursk region. The deepening military relations between North Korea and Russia, particularly since June, may shape future operational outcomes in this ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
