North Korean troops deployed to support Russia in Ukraine are using extreme tactics, including suicide.

Axar.az, citing Independent, reports that in a recent battle in the Kursk region, a wounded North Korean soldier detonated a grenade, killing himself as Ukrainian forces approached.

Repоrts indicate that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the region, with over 3,000 killed or injured, highlighting their unpreparedness for modern warfare and their use as “cannon fodder” by Russia.

Ukraine recently captured two North Korean soldiers, one of whom expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine.
President Zelensky has proposed exchanging captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. However, North Korean troops view capture as treason, with documents revealing orders to prioritize suicide to protect their families from repercussions.

This deployment marks North Korea's largest foreign military involvement since the Korean War, raising concerns about their growing combat experience. Despite initial denials, Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged their presence, and North Korea claims the deployment is lawful. Analysts warn of the broader security risks as North Korea strengthens ties with Russia and uses the war as a training ground for its military.