Unless - gawdelpus - they see this as an opportunity to see in real life, rather than show pieces, what they might be able to do against a Western-backed neighbour.
I find it weird that they specified it was NK “officers” who were killed. Usually, it’s the enlisted men doing most of the dying, so why are so many “officers” being killed, without any mention of enlisted ranks? It feels like NK is only sending officers, which might be consistent with them training Russians on NK weapon systems, but not actually fighting themselves.
Russia lost a non-trivial number of brass in this war. The back ranks have been somewhat poorly protected.
Might also be that they’re sending ordinary schlubs, but that there’s some sort of propaganda value in promoting all of those schlubs to officer rank.
Did they say if the entry wounds were in front or back?
Exposure to actual combat is the best training any military can have. North Korea is taking advantage of a training opportunity that rival militaries in places like S. Korea and Japan do not have access to.
Failure to survive changes it from training to culling.
Yeah, but even then, there’s still a lot more grunts dying. These guys didn’t even have a sergeant or two standing close to them?
The battlefield keeps rapidly evolving. Right now it’s the Russians going through Drone hell. The Combatants of the next wars will face similar challenges.
The Russians called the night drones “Baba Yagas” after a forest witch from Slavic folklore.
There is a video from the drone attack at night.
Link Ukraine’s Night Drones Are Bombing Moving Russian Tanks Now
Russia has apparently learned some lessons. They have been advancing more quickly this year due to a change in tactics and possibly lack of weapons/manpower for Ukraine. What I’ve read it seems the Russians are using glide bombs to destroy an area then move in. Not a lot that Ukraine can do about it although I did see a Russian fighter/bomber was shot down by an F-16. But I don’t think one succesful interception is going to change the Russian strategy.
Inspiring story. The Ukrainians continue to fight in every way they can. They found a important role for older women that normally wouldn’t be soldiers.
Ukraine’s Home Guard
Obviously this isn’t sustainable. Arming and training older civilians is considered a last resort. Ukraine is running short of soldiers. Russia just keeps pressing forward. Taking ground regardless of their losses.
I think this Unit can be effective shooting down drones. I’d hate to see them trying to engage Russian troops in a fortified building.
North Korean Troops Deserting Ukraine Frontline Days After Arrival
Some 18 North Korean soldiers are believed to have deserted the Russian frontline, with Kremlin fighters reportedly searching for them. …
Intelligence officials cited by the broadcaster said the Russian military is searching for the North Korean soldiers, while commanders are trying to conceal the desertion from their higher-ups.
South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said that reports of troop casualties are likely to be true. Also:
The Kyiv Post and Interfax-Ukraine quoted intelligence sources saying six North Korean officers were killed on the Russian frontline near the Donetsk region in Ukraine on October 3.
And speaking of soldiers fleeing that war, Chosun Ilbo has this interesting article.
Exclusive: Eighteen North Korean troops reportedly desert Russian frontlines
A group of North Korean soldiers recently deployed to support Russia deserted near the border close to Bryansk, Russia, a senior Ukrainian military official said on Oct. 15. The troops are believed to be part of a contingent sent by North Korea to assist Russia under a growing alliance between the two nations. The desertion is seen as further evidence of the military cooperation outlined in a North Korea-Russia agreement signed in June, which includes provisions for mutual military support.
The Ukrainian official told The Chosun Ilbo that intelligence reports indicated 18 North Korean soldiers deserted approximately 7 kilometers northwest of the Ukraine-Russia border, between Bryansk and Kursk. “Russian forces are currently tracking the deserters,” the official said. “The soldiers have not been apprehended yet, and local Russian military units are reportedly attempting to hide the incident from higher command.” The exact military unit these soldiers belong to and their reason for desertion remain unclear.
The article really shows some interesting things about the incident, especially the bit about trying to hide the situation from higher echelons.
I wonder how long it will take those desertees to make it deep into Ukraine and freedom.
…and Disneyworld?
Ukraine should welcome the lost N. Koreans. Give the others more reason to desert.
Australia will donate 49 tanks to Ukraine to help its army fight a renewed assault from Russian forces amid fears the growing attacks are putting nuclear power stations at risk.
They’re pretty beat up. Are parts vehicles worth shipping from Australia?
It is a nice gesture to repair some of them.
Updated electronics and weapons systems are needed to make them useful to Ukraine.
Zelensky didn’t give much details in the speech. He’s been briefing European leaders in private meetings.
I get the impression he wants missile systems that would act as a deterrent to Moscow? Negotiate for peace or we’ll hit Russia with missiles?
That doesn’t sound very effective against a country with a nuclear arsenal. Russia will win a pissing contest every time.
I read yesterday that Biden is supposed to attend the EU conference.
Strange events. Someone is placing “dragon’s teeth” anti-tank obstacles on roads used by the Russian military. They are placed at night. There have been a number of accidents caused by people running into them. No one is sure who is doing it. They aren’t exactly light.