Suicidal and extreme tactics: the instructions given to North Korean soldiers supporting Russia in the invasion of Ukraine.

Since the end of 2024, the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine has begun to be a disturbing reality. Reports indicate that up to 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, raising both fear and curiosity about the tactics employed by these forces in a contemporary war setting. Western intelligence has documented that around 4,000 of these soldiers have fallen in combat or been injured on the front lines. This figure not only reflects the intensity of the fighting but also the willingness of these forces to adopt suicidal tactics in their confrontation with Ukrainian troops.

North Korean soldiers have been described as warriors who prefer death to surrender. A grim example of this mentality is manifested in the last words of a fallen soldier, who cried out the name of his leader, Kim Jong-un, indicative of the indoctrination they undergo and the fervor with which they engage in combat. Ukrainian forces, in their attempts to persuade these soldiers to surrender, have encountered a tenacity that defies the logic of survival. The Ukrainian commander known as "Pokémon" has noted that, instead of seeking an escape, these fighters cling to their mission until the end.

The tactics deployed by North Korean troops are brutal and, in some cases, nearly suicidal. It has been reported that they employ massive frontal assaults and have gone to the extreme of detonating grenades to avoid capture. Additionally, they use their own soldiers as decoys to draw enemy drone fire. This type of strategy reveals not only a disregard for human life but also a desperate adaptation to a battlefield they have not previously experienced. Despite their lack of preparation for modern warfare, their aggressiveness in combat is an element that should not be underestimated.

North Korean forces have proven to be innovative in their combat approach, adapting their equipment to survive in a hostile environment. They have removed protective plates from their vests and helmets to increase their mobility, a decision that, while risky, allows them to evade the surveillance of Ukrainian drones. This change in equipment, combined with the use of anti-tank mines, demonstrates an adaptability to the war environment that contrasts with their traditional military training.

Despite their suicidal approach, North Korean soldiers are armed with advanced equipment, including AK-12 assault rifles. This modern weaponry, combined with notes of loyalty to Kim Jong-un, reveals a deep commitment to their cause. The promises of bravery they have left written down indicate a mental state rooted in the regime's ideology, making them dangerous fighters on the battlefield.

The context of this North Korean intervention is not coincidental. Ukrainian authorities have captured several of these soldiers and found false Russian identifications, indicating a clear intention to deny their nationality in the context of the confrontation. The tactical notes found with them unveil specific strategies that include using soldiers as bait for drone attacks, a technique that reflects the desperation and brutality of modern warfare.

The impact of North Korea's participation in the Ukrainian conflict may be motivated by broader interests. It is speculated that the Pyongyang regime seeks military experience that it could apply in future conflicts, especially on the Korean Peninsula. With a large army and a policy of mandatory military service, North Korea has been eager to demonstrate its operability in an external conflict after decades without significant intervention since the Korean War.

The military collaboration between Russia and North Korea not only strengthens the relationship between the two countries but also raises questions about the nature of alliances in the current context. The shortage of personnel on the Russian front has led Moscow to seek support from unconventional allies, which could signal a transformation of the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

As the conflict intensifies, it is expected that North Korea will send more reinforcements to the region. This possibility has raised concerns among military analysts, who warn that an escalation in hostilities could have devastating consequences not only for Ukraine but also for regional stability in general. The combination of extreme tactics and North Korea's militaristic ideology suggests that, as long as the conflict continues, the challenges for Ukrainian forces will become increasingly complex and dangerous.