National intelligence: 6,000 North Korean troops killed or injured in Ukraine

At least 6,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia in Ukraine have been killed or injured, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers.

The agency said around 10,000 combat troops and 1,000 engineers are currently stationed in Russia’s front-line Kursk region, with some 1,100 personnel who returned to North Korea last December potentially set for redeployment, Caliber.Az reports via NOR

Despite the heavy losses, the NIS noted that Pyongyang has gained battlefield experience, modern combat tactics, and technical assistance from Russia to upgrade its weapons systems.

The agency also highlighted North Korea’s growing focus on drones, with a new department established for unmanned aerial vehicles and efforts underway to develop and mass-produce drone systems.

Separately, the NIS said North Korea continues to define the two Koreas as “hostile states,” instructing officials and overseas missions to avoid engagement with South Korea.

Relations with China, while showing some trade growth — reaching US$3 billion last year, the highest in six years — “have not gained momentum yet,” the agency said.

The intelligence briefing also touched on two North Korean soldiers held by Ukrainian forces. The men have expressed a willingness to defect to South Korea, and the government is reportedly assisting their repatriation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev