Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces released photos on Telegram on Dec. 22 of three bodies believed to be North Korean soldiers, along with images of three falsified identity cards reportedly recovered from the deceased.
According to the Ukrainian military, the IDs displayed Russian-style names, which appeared to have been fabricated. However, analysis of handwritten names in the signature fields revealed their real identities as Ri Dae-hyuk, Jo Chul-ho, and Ban Kuk-jin, the Ukrainian military noted.
The military stated that the identity cards lacked photos and institutional stamps, with all birthplaces listed as Republic of Tuva, the hometown of former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, suggesting the documents were forged. It added that handwritten Korean names in the signature fields appeared to have been written with a different type of pen, further indicating their authenticity.
Ukraine has long accused Russia of disguising North Korean soldiers as indigenous personnel from the Far East. “These handwritten names expose the soldiers’ true origins,” the Ukrainian military said. “This once again demonstrates Russia’s extensive efforts to conceal the presence of foreign forces and their losses on the front lines.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian media outlet RBC reported testimonies from captured Russian soldiers who expressed dissatisfaction with the deployment of North Korean troops. One Russian soldier reportedly said, “They lack theoretical knowledge but are heavily trained. They’re rude and might take a rifle from a regular soldier.”
Another described incidents of careless weapon handling, citing cases where North Korean soldiers allegedly shot a comrade’s leg or a trainer’s stomach. Language barriers were also noted as a significant issue. “Honestly, the farther you are from North Korean soldiers, the more peaceful it feels,” another captive was quoted as saying. “They shoot at anything in the air, whether it’s a Ukrainian or Russian drone, and they sometimes take them down.”
S. Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said during a briefing on Dec. 23 that North Korea is preparing to deploy additional troops or replacements to Russia. This follows a statement by S. Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) on Dec. 19, which noted that the possibility of further North Korean troop deployments was being closely monitored. The JCS briefing appeared to reflect more specific and concrete intelligence regarding these activities.
In connection with Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces releasing images of three bodies believed to be North Korean soldiers, the JCS provided further details about recent North Korean military activities. During the Dec. 23 briefing, the JCS confirmed that over 1,100 casualties have occurred among North Korean troops deployed in Russia, based on information gathered from multiple intelligence sources. The rising number of casualties has led to speculation that additional deployments are imminent.
Military officials also reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with 240mm multiple rocket launchers, 170mm self-propelled guns, and potentially suicide drones, which were unveiled last month. Intelligence indicates that North Korea plans to provide these drones to Russia. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw a performance test of the drones in November, urging officials to “start mass production without delay.”
The JCS is also monitoring the possibility of North Korea conducting additional missile tests, including an upgraded intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of hypersonic speeds. These weapons can reach targets at speeds exceeding Mach 6, making them extremely difficult to intercept with existing defense systems.
Considering North Korea’s domestic and international political events, including the upcoming inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump in January, officials believe Pyongyang may carry out surprise IRBM launches around the year-end Workers’ Party Central Committee meeting or similar occasions.
