Six hundred North Korean troops killed in Russia's war, says South Korean intelligence

At least 600 North Korean troops have been killed in fighting in the Kursk region of Russia, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

Pyongyang has sent around 11,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces since the start of 2024, but many were ill-equipped and untrained for modern drone warfare.

South Korean intelligence estimates a total of 4,700 North Korean casualties in the region, including 600 dead, with others reportedly taking their own lives rather than be captured.

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It's the first time North Korea has officially confirmed it sent combat troops to fight.

In a broadcast this week, a military commander on North Korean state television described their mission as helping to liberate Kursk from "neo-Nazis."

Kremlin-aligned media has now acknowledged the presence of North Korean units.

General Valery Gerasimov, the head of Russia's military, praised their performance on Russian television, calling them "professional."

Previously, Moscow had dismissed reports of North Korean involvement as disinformation.

In January, Pyongyang reportedly pulled troops from the frontline temporarily due to high casualties, sending an additional 3,000 reinforcements to make up for the losses.

According to South Korea, the bodies of dead soldiers were cremated in Kursk before being sent back to North Korea, possibly to limit visible signs of the conflict's toll.

A small number of North Korean soldiers have been taken prisoner, according to Ukrainian sources.

Russia claims full control of the region. President Vladimir Putin announced that Ukrainian troops had been driven out of Kursk oblast, calling it a success and praising the "heroism" of North Korean units.

Kyiv disputes that claim, saying Ukrainian forces are still operating in parts of the region.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang's support to Moscow goes far beyond manpower.

North Korea is estimated to have supplied four million artillery shells and rockets, as well as more than 100 Koksan self-propelled guns.

Ukrainian officials claim up to 70% of Russian artillery fire now relies on North Korean ammunition.

Pyongyang has also provided ballistic missiles, including KN-23s with warheads weighing up to one tonne.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia used one of these in a recent strike on Kyiv that killed 12 people.

In return, Russia is reportedly providing North Korea with technical assistance on satellites, drones, and air defence system – part of a growing military partnership signed in a 2023 strategic cooperation treaty between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.

North Korean soldiers are becoming more capable as they gain combat experience with Russian units.

Russian media outlets have also reported that Pyongyang is considering deploying troops to occupied Ukrainian territories, potentially escalating its direct involvement in the war.