Ukrainian forces initially underestimated troops from the Korean People’s Army deployed to the Kursk Region to reinforce Russia’s «North» grouping, according to Pavel Rozlach, former commander of Ukraine’s 80th Brigade and now deputy commander of the 7th Corps.

Rozlach said the arrival of North Korean units was not taken seriously at first. Ukrainian soldiers assumed they were physically smaller and unprepared for modern warfare. That perception shifted quickly after the first engagements, when it became clear that those assumptions were wrong.

He noted that the Korean troops demonstrated strong physical conditioning and effective shooting skills. While they initially lagged in modern tactics and technology, they adapted rapidly on the battlefield.

According to Rozlach, during early assaults the soldiers would dismount as far as 15 kilometers from the line of contact, carrying full gear, move closer to enemy positions, and then launch fast-paced attacks. He emphasized their speed and ability to fire while advancing, adding that despite technological limitations, their infantry posed a serious threat.

He also pointed out that North Korean soldiers do not surrender. Over the course of their involvement, only two were captured, both reportedly unconscious at the time.

Rozlach added that Russian forces have trained these units in contemporary combat methods, knowledge they are now applying within their own military structure. In his assessment, if this trajectory continues, the Korean People’s Army could evolve into one of the most capable fighting forces in the world.