South Korea says 600 North Korean troops killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine war

Approximately 600 North Korean troops have been killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the country’s intelligence agency on April 30. 

The total number of North Korean forces deployed to the battlefield reportedly stands at around 15,000, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed members of the parliamentary intelligence committee that North Korea has suffered an estimated 4,700 casualties, including both killed and wounded. However, despite the high losses, North Korean troops are said to have shown a marked improvement in combat performance over the past six months, aided by their increasing use of modern weapons such as drones.

“After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved as it becomes accustomed to using new weapons such as drones,” said Lee Seong-kweun, a committee member, in comments to reporters following the closed-door briefing.

In return for its direct involvement in the war and ongoing arms shipments, North Korea appears to have received substantial technical support from Russia. This reportedly includes assistance with the development of spy satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missile systems.

Earlier this week, Pyongyang officially confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian forces under orders from leader Kim Jong Un. North Korean media also claimed their soldiers played a role in helping Russia regain territory previously held by Ukrainian forces.

For the record, Washington and its allies have condemned the military partnership, warning that it violates U.N. Security Council resolutions banning arms transfers involving North Korea. Kyiv has not officially commented on the presence of North Korean troops on Ukrainian soil, but has previously accused Pyongyang of arming Russia in breach of international law.

By Khagan Isayev