**North Korean Troops Withdrawn from Ukraine Conflict**
According to South Korea’s intelligence agency, North Korean troops have stopped fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast since mid-January. This confirms reports that the 11,000-12,000-strong contingent had suffered significant losses.
The troops were sent to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine last fall. However, it is believed that heavy casualties may have been one of the reasons for their withdrawal. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said there are no signs of North Korean troops engaging in battle since mid-January.
Experts say North Korea’s high casualty rates can be attributed to a lack of experience with modern warfare and the use of “human wave” tactics against entrenched Ukrainian positions. Despite this, many Ukrainian military service members have described North Korean troops as highly motivated and presenting a significant challenge to Ukrainian soldiers.
**Russia’s Military Situation**
Ukraine’s special forces had not faced North Korean troops for three weeks, according to a spokesperson. This suggests that the withdrawal may be permanent.
However, Russian commanders in the Kupiansk sector are ordering their soldiers to retake positions from which they retreated under Ukrainian fire, threatening them with execution if they refuse. Ukraine’s Khortytsia group of forces reported this on February 4.
**Russian Airstrikes and Drone Attacks**
Russia launched 65 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine overnight. Thirty-seven drones were shot down over five oblasts, while 28 others were lost in the airspace without causing any damage.
**International Response**
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and extend a freeze on funding for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to ramp up pressure on Russia in order to “crush Putin’s war machine.”
