North Korea's hidden losses in Ukraine: Over 4,000 casualties
More than 4,000 North Korean soldiers fighting on the side of Russia against Ukraine have been killed or injured. This information was provided by the South Korean intelligence service, NIS, as reported by the "Korea Herald."
What do you need to know?
- Number of casualties: More than 4,000 North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine have been killed or injured, according to the South Korean intelligence service, NIS.
- Additional forces: After a brief withdrawal from the front lines in February, North Korea sent an additional 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers to compensate for the losses.
- Concealing involvement: The regime in Pyongyang is trying to conceal its involvement in the war by retrieving the bodies of fallen soldiers.
What are the effects of North Korea's involvement in the war?
According to data from the South Korean intelligence service, NIS, the number of North Korean soldiers killed or injured in the war with Ukraine has exceeded 4,000. In January, it was estimated that there were about 3,000 casualties, which accounted for nearly a quarter of the 11,000 soldiers sent to Russia by the Pyongyang regime.
North Korean authorities, after a brief withdrawal from the front lines in the Kursk region in western Russia, sent an additional 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers to compensate for the losses. This information was reported by "Korea Herald," quoting Li Song Kwun, vice-chairman of the intelligence committee of the National Assembly from the South Korean ruling People Power Party.
Why does North Korea conceal its involvement?
The regime in Pyongyang is trying to conceal its involvement in the war by retrieving the bodies of fallen soldiers. Although Ukrainian authorities claim that the presence of North Koreans is tipping the scales of victory in favour of Russia, the NIS believes their contribution is not significant. North Korean soldiers are treated as "cannon fodder" and have not played a decisive role in recent Russian gains in the region.
Additionally, some North Koreans of conscription age are taking drastic measures, injuring themselves to avoid service. The authorities offer gifts and support to the families of deployed soldiers to prevent social unrest. Li Song Kwun from NIS emphasized that North Korea is ready to conduct another nuclear weapon test at any time.
