South Korea's National Intelligence Service has reported that North Korea has sent additional troops to Russia following heavy casualties suffered by its soldiers deployed on the Russian-Ukraine fronts. The exact number of troops deployed is still being determined by the NIS.
According to the NIS assessment, North Korean troops were redeployed to Russia's Kursk region in early February after a temporary withdrawal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a new offensive in Kursk on February 7 and mentioned the presence of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.
It has been revealed that North Korea has been supplying conventional weapons to Russia, with an estimated 10,000-12,000 troops sent to Russia last fall. Despite being highly disciplined and well-trained, North Korean soldiers have faced challenges on the battlefield due to their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain, making them vulnerable to drone and artillery attacks.
Reports indicate that around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 injured, with varying estimates provided by different sources. Recent information suggests that an additional 1,000-3,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk between January and February.
Concerns have been raised by South Korea, the U.S., and their allies regarding the possibility of Russia transferring high-tech weapons technologies to North Korea, potentially enhancing its nuclear weapons program. North Korea is also expected to receive economic and other forms of assistance from Russia.
Recent talks between Russia and the U.S. in Saudi Arabia focused on ending the war and improving diplomatic and economic ties, marking a shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Observers speculate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may send more troops to Russia in a bid to secure further assistance before the war concludes.
