In a dramatic escalation of the war, 87 North Korean-made tanks supplied to Russia have reportedly entered the Ukrainian battlefield — only to fall directly into Kyiv’s planned kill zone.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the tanks, believed to be modernized variants of the Chonma-ho series, were deployed by Russian forces in the eastern front to reinforce heavy armor shortages. These vehicles were part of Moscow’s growing reliance on foreign-supplied equipment as the conflict stretches into its fourth year.
However, Ukraine’s artillery brigades and drone strike units anticipated the movement. Within hours of deployment, the tank convoy was spotted crossing open terrain near Donetsk. Precision-guided artillery fire, combined with drone-dropped munitions, reportedly devastated the formation.
A Ukrainian officer speaking on condition of anonymity stated:
“They walked right into the zone we had prepared. Our artillery and drones were waiting. What was meant to be Russia’s show of strength turned into a display of weakness.”
Open-source battlefield footage circulating online shows several North Korean tanks in flames, with black smoke rising across the contested landscape. Military analysts believe the losses could number in the dozens, marking another severe blow to Russia’s armored divisions.
The Kremlin has not confirmed the losses but continues to deny large-scale imports of North Korean weaponry. Meanwhile, Western officials warn that such cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could deepen sanctions against both regimes.
Why It Matters
- This is the largest reported deployment of North Korean armor since the war began.
- Ukraine’s ability to destroy entire armored columns highlights the effectiveness of its modern Western-supplied artillery systems.
- The incident underscores Russia’s growing dependence on foreign military aid as its own stockpiles dwindle.
Key Takeaway
The destruction of North Korean tanks in Ukraine’s kill zone reinforces Kyiv’s strategy of using intelligence-led precision strikes to neutralize Russian offensives before they gain momentum. As both sides prepare for new offensives, the battlefield is increasingly shaped by international arms deals and advanced drone warfare.
