Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence. Seoul's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reports that around 4,700 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the conflict, with about 2,000 injured soldiers repatriated between January and March 2025.
North Korea officially confirmed its troop deployment to Russia earlier this week, citing a 2024 defense treaty mandating mutual aid during conflicts. The troops were reportedly sent to assist in retaking the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
Estimates suggest that between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean soldiers were dispatched to Russia in late 2024, with an additional 3,000 arriving in early 2025. Despite their discipline, North Korean troops have suffered significant casualties due to unfamiliarity with modern warfare and challenging terrain.
In exchange for military support, South Korea alleges that Russia has provided North Korea with weapons, drones, and satellite technology, along with industrial cooperation involving approximately 15,000 North Korean laborers.
The high casualty rate among North Korean forces has raised concerns about their effectiveness and the ethical implications of their deployment in the ongoing conflict.
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