In a blow to Vladimir Putin’s campaign, reports reveal that North Korean troops sent to support Russia’s fight against Ukraine have allegedly deserted their posts just days after deployment. Deployed near Ukraine’s border in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, at least 18 North Korean soldiers are reported missing, leaving Russian authorities scrambling to locate them.
The deployment follows a recent strategic partnership between Putin and Kim Jong-un, yet Ukraine’s advance into Russian territory has cast doubts on the alliance’s effectiveness. This unexpected desertion not only undercuts Russia’s efforts but adds another layer of embarrassment as it struggles to hold ground amid reports of staggering casualties.
