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North Korean soldiers in Russia suffer heavy losses in the war against Ukraine

The deployment of some 12,000 troops sent by Kim Jong-un is in danger of being reduced to zero by April due to heavy losses in operations in the Kursk oblast

The North Korean forces deployed by Russia in the war against Ukraine are paying a heavy toll. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think tank monitoring the conflict, and South Korean intelligence, some 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded. The pace of losses, at an average of 92 men per day, could lead to the total decimation of the contingent by April if Russian strategies do not change.

The North Korean soldiers are mainly deployed in the Russian Kursk region, the scene of intense fighting and Ukrainian incursions. Used in old-style attacks and without adequate cover, they are often exposed to Ukrainian artillery and drones. This condition has already caused around 3,800 casualties in total, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The difficulties are exacerbated by the tactical use of North Korean troops in marginal or risky roles. Recently, Kiev captured two North Korean soldiers and interrogated them to gather intelligence information. The incident, documented by Ukrainian intelligence (SBU), was thwarted by Russian forces, which failed to prevent the capture.

ISW analysts point out that if no significant changes in Pyongyang’s troop deployment are adopted, the North Korean military contribution may disappear in the coming months.

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