Russian Tanks Abandon North Korean Soldiers—Shocking Video Leaks

The footage showing Russian forces allegedly abandoning North Korean troops in Ukraine becomes controversial.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that the drone video released by Ukrainian forces on October 30 captured three Russian BTR-82 armored vehicles, leaving behind infantry believed to be North Korean soldiers.

The footage shows the three Russian BTR-82 armored vehicles were attacking a wooded area approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of the Russian village of Kalinovka during the battle near the Kursk region border, which Ukraine’s 95th Air Assault Brigade controls.

The armored vehicles approached the wooded area, fired their machine guns, and deployed infantry. However, the dismounted troops failed to establish a proper combat formation, instead appearing disoriented and wandering near the vehicles.

The armored vehicles then abruptly withdrew without covering fire, leaving the infantry behind. Footage shows the confused soldiers attempting to chase after the departing cars.

Military analysts suggest that poor communication between Russian vehicle crews and North Korean infantry likely caused this incident. The North Korean troops’ unfamiliarity with mechanized infantry tactics is cited as a primary factor.

Lee Il Woo, the director of the Korean Defense Network, stated, “Our analysis of the footage indicates that as most North Korean troops sent to Russia are traditional infantry, Russian mechanized doctrine is likely very foreign to them.”

“They could have performed basic mechanized infantry roles with proper training. However, it appears they were deployed with minimal preparation, likely leading to continued coordination issues with Russian forces,” Lee added.

Concerns are growing that North Korean troops may be used as expendable forces. Lee noted, “Russia faces equipment shortages, often deploying troops on motorcycles or light vehicles. Many North Korean soldiers may end up as foot infantry across open terrain. A Lithuanian NGO claims North Korea plans to send up to 88,000 troops. But as Russia lacks the production capacity to equip such a force properly, there is a high likelihood for North Korean troops to become human shields.”

The Lithuanian NGO Blue/Yellow reports that North Korean forces first engaged Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region on October 25. The organization claims the engagement involved platoon-sized elements, with all but one North Korean soldier reportedly killed in action.