South Korean intelligence estimates North Korea’s losses in the war against Ukraine
South Korean intelligence reports that around 6,000 North Korean servicemen fighting on Moscow’s side have been killed or wounded in the war against Ukraine. According to the assessment, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Russia’s Kursk region. There has been no official confirmation of this information from Russia or North Korea.
This was reported by Yonhap News Agency.
According to the National Intelligence Service, about 11,000 North Korean troops are currently in the Kursk region — 10,000 regular troops and 1,000 engineering personnel. In addition, roughly 1,100 servicemen who returned to North Korea in December 2025 may be redeployed to Russia.
“Despite 6,000 casualties, the North Korean army has achieved results in acquiring modern battlefield tactics and upgrading its weapons systems with technical assistance from Russia,” the intelligence agency stated.
Pyongyang has also established a new department for unmanned aerial vehicles and is working on creating a system capable of developing and mass-producing drones.
Earlier reports indicated that Russia supplied North Korea with over 100 thoroughbred horses for a cavalry regiment. North Korea also launched several ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan. Meanwhile, the President of South Korea has proposed restoring contacts with Pyongyang.
It is also recalled that North Korea is believed to provide more than 40% of military supplies to Russia.
