South Korean intelligence reported that about 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, Yonhap agency writes.
Source: Gazeta.UA
According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, there are currently around 11,000 North Korean troops in Russia’s frontline Kursk region, including 10,000 regular forces and 1,000 engineering units. Approximately 1,100 soldiers who returned to North Korea in December 2025 could be redeployed to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.
The intelligence service noted that despite significant losses, the North Korean army has gained experience in modern combat tactics and has modernized its weaponry with technical assistance from Russia. Additionally, Pyongyang has established a new drone department and is working on developing a mass production drone system.