30.04.2025 10:20
The South Korean National Intelligence Service announced that approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia to fight against Ukraine, 600 have been killed on the front lines, and 4,100 have been injured.
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South Korean intelligence officially confirmed that North Korea sent soldiers to Russia to fight against Ukraine, following North Korea's acknowledgment of this action. According to the latest data shared by South Korean intelligence during a meeting of the intelligence committee at the National Assembly, it was reported that North Korea sent approximately 15,000 soldiers to Russia in two phases. Of these soldiers, it was stated that 600 were killed by Ukrainian forces, and 4,100 North Korean soldiers were reported to be injured.
BODIES BURNED IN KURSK
The bodies of the deceased North Korean soldiers were reported to have been burned in Kursk before being sent back to their country. It was also noted that North Korean troops have been enhancing their combat capabilities by using modern weapons such as drones (UAVs) within approximately six months. It was emphasized that the North Korean administration might send more soldiers to support Moscow in the future, but there are currently no signs of this.
NORTH KOREA-RUSSIA COOPERATION IS DEVELOPING
It was assessed that North Korea received a spy satellite launch pad, drones, electronic warfare equipment, and SA-22 type surface-to-air missiles from Russia in exchange for the shipment of soldiers and weapons. It was reported that the two countries have been in discussions for industrial modernization in 14 sectors, including aviation, energy, and tourism, and that approximately 15,000 North Korean workers will be sent to Russia. In a statement made by South Korean intelligence last January, it was reported that about 300 of the North Korean soldiers sent to Russia were killed by Ukrainian forces, and 2,700 were injured.
NORTH KOREA AND RUSSIA HAD CONFIRMED THE TROOP DEPLOYMENT
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Pyongyang last June and signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. Following this development, claims emerged that North Korea sent soldiers to Russia to fight against Ukraine. After months of silence regarding these claims, the North Korean and Russian administrations confirmed military cooperation earlier this week.
The North Korean administration stated, "Our armed forces have made significant contributions to the destruction of the neo-Nazi Ukrainian forces and the liberation of Russian territories." Putin thanked North Korea for its "assistance" in the Kursk region, stating, "We appreciate the heroism of North Korean soldiers, their excellent training, and the determination they showed while fighting alongside Russian soldiers to defend our homeland as if it were their own territory."
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