Reports Indicate Over 300 North Korean Soldiers Killed, 2,700 Injured While Supporting Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Department of Research, Studies and International News 13-01-2025
South Korea has disclosed alarming figures concerning North Korean military involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), more than 300 North Korean soldiers have died, and an additional 2,700 have sustained injuries while fighting alongside Russian forces. These numbers, disclosed by South Korean legislator Lee Seong-kweun during a recent press briefing, indicate the staggering toll on North Korean troops deployed to the conflict.
Lee revealed that the scope of North Korean troop deployment has expanded beyond initial estimates, with soldiers now operating in regions such as Kursk, Russia. “The number of casualties among North Korean forces has surpassed 3,000,” he said, adding that these troops have demonstrated a limited understanding of modern warfare tactics. This inexperience, compounded by the roles assigned to them, has significantly contributed to the high casualty rates.
The announcement follows a recent statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers. A video of the injured soldiers undergoing interrogation was released by Kyiv, with Zelenskyy suggesting a potential prisoner exchange. He indicated Ukraine’s willingness to hand over the captured North Koreans in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.
The Kremlin has remained noncommittal on the matter, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, “We cannot verify the truth of these reports. Discussions about exchanges continue, but it remains a challenging process. For us, the life of every Russian soldier is of utmost importance.”
South Korea has previously accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of dispatching over 10,000 troops to bolster Russia’s military efforts against Ukraine. This alleged support is seen as part of a quid pro quo arrangement, with Moscow providing technical assistance to Pyongyang for its weapons and satellite programs, which are heavily constrained by international sanctions. Despite these accusations, Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the involvement of North Korean soldiers in its military operations.
Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson for South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, noted that any asylum requests would involve complex legal and international considerations. “Facilitating their resettlement would require thorough legal reviews and consultations with all relevant nations,” he said.
