North Korean Troops Withdraw from Russia’s Kursk Region in a Major Blow to Putin
In a significant setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war efforts have reportedly made a humiliating retreat from the Kursk region. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Pyongyang’s forces were quietly withdrawn from the frontline in January, raising fresh questions about Russia’s military resilience. The deployment of North Korean troops was seen as a controversial yet strategic move by Moscow, aiming to reinforce its struggling forces amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
However, the sudden retreat suggests potential logistical failures or undisclosed political tensions between the Kremlin and Pyongyang. While neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has publicly commented on the withdrawal, intelligence sources indicate that the move reflects operational difficulties and possible morale issues within the ranks. South Korea has closely monitored North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war effort, particularly following reports of arms transfers and military cooperation between the two nations. This development comes at a time when Russia faces mounting international pressure, with its military operations in Ukraine becoming increasingly challenging.
The retreat of North Korean troops not only weakens Putin’s strategic advantage but also raises doubts about the reliability of external support for Russia’s war ambitions. With tensions escalating and Moscow scrambling to maintain its foothold, the unexpected withdrawal from Kursk could mark a turning point in the conflict, further isolating Russia on the global stage.
