600 North Korean troops k!lled in Russia-Ukraine war
About 600 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmakers who were briefed by the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The revelation points to Pyongyang’s deepening military involvement in the conflict and its growing alignment with Moscow.
The total number of North Korean troops deployed to the Russian front is estimated to be around 15,000. Of these, approximately 4,700 have been listed as casualties, including both the injured and the deceased.
Despite the heavy losses, South Korea’s intelligence suggests that the combat effectiveness of North Korean forces has improved over the last six months, particularly due to their use of more advanced weapons such as drones.
South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, who is a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, told reporters that the North Korean military had become “less inept” as a result of its battlefield exposure.
He added that their ability to handle modern warfare technologies, like drones and other high-precision weapons, had significantly increased during this time.
In a rare move earlier this week, North Korea officially acknowledged that its troops were operating in support of Russian forces.
Pyongyang claimed the soldiers were dispatched under the direct orders of leader Kim Jong Un and had played a role in helping Russia regain control over territory previously held by Ukrainian forces.
In return for its military assistance, North Korea is believed to have received technical support from Russia, particularly in areas such as satellite technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, and anti-aircraft missile systems. This exchange has further strengthened ties between the two internationally isolated nations.
According to the briefing, most of the fallen North Korean soldiers had their bodies cremated in the Russian border region of Kursk before being repatriated. The cremation process is seen as a measure to prevent public outcry or the spread of infectious diseases.
South Korean intelligence also revealed that North Korea may have sent around 15,000 workers to Russia. These overseas labourers are known to be a crucial source of foreign currency for the North Korean regime.
However, their deployment is in direct violation of United Nations sanctions, which prohibit the employment of North Korean labourers in third countries.
The large-scale presence of North Korean personnel in both military and civilian roles marks a significant escalation in Pyongyang’s support for Russia.
Analysts suggest that this growing partnership is not only strategic but also mutually beneficial, helping both regimes navigate their economic and political isolation on the global stage.
