North Korean soldiers face grim fate in Ukrainian conflict
The spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, John Kirby, reported that soldiers from North Korea are taking their own lives, fearing the consequences for their families if they surrender to Ukrainian forces. The DPRK troops are launching mass assaults, resulting in severe losses.
During a Friday press briefing, Kirby explained that North Korean forces are conducting mass infantry attacks on Ukrainian positions in Kursk. These tactics, described as "human waves," are proving ineffective. The U.S. estimates that over the past week, North Korean casualties have amounted to more than a thousand dead and wounded.
Kirby emphasised that Russian and North Korean commanders consider these soldiers expendable, ordering them to undertake hopeless attacks. Despite being aware of the futility of their actions, DPRK soldiers are thoroughly indoctrinated and continue their assaults.
Kirby also reported that soldiers who take their lives likely do so out of fear of retribution against their families in North Korea if they were captured. According to Kirby, the involvement of DPRK soldiers in battles against Ukraine is a sign of Moscow's desperation.
Americans provide weapons and criticise alleged desire for negotiations
Kirby also addressed the possibility of Ukrainians using American missiles to attack North Korean force concentrations inside Russia, deeming them a legitimate target for Kyiv. He added that the U.S. plans to announce another package of military aid for Ukraine, which will boost its air defence and other defensive capabilities.
Kirby commented on Vladimir Putin's statement, where he expressed readiness for negotiations in Slovakia, emphasising that actions of the Russian leader, such as the massive missile attack on Christmas, show a lack of interest in a negotiated solution. Kirby noted that Ukraine must be central to any negotiations, and the decision to undertake them belongs to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
