Seoul reports that North Korea has sent additional troops to Russia, particularly to the conflict-ridden region of Kursk, as part of continuing military support. This move follows heavy casualties suffered by North Korean soldiers previously deployed in the area, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) and various media sources.

The NIS indicated that while the exact number of newly deployed soldiers is still being evaluated, estimates suggest that between 1,000 to 3,000 additional troops may have arrived in the first week of February after being temporarily withdrawn earlier. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine confirmed the presence of North Korean military units participating alongside Russian forces in Los Angeles Times.

Since last year, North Korea has reportedly sent around 11,000 to 12,000 soldiers to support Russian military efforts as the two countries have solidified military cooperation through mutual defense agreements. However, casualties among North Korean troops have been substantial; estimates from various sources suggest that around 300 have died and upwards of 2,700 injured during recent engagements. Ukrainian military officials, however, have cited potentially higher numbers, with reports of 4,000 North Korean casualties in total Channel News Asia.

Military analysts observe that while North Korean soldiers are known for their discipline, they lack experience in modern warfare and are particularly vulnerable to UAV and artillery attacks. Local reports describe the situation as “brutal,” with accounts from defected North Korean soldiers indicating high mortality rates on the battlefield South China Morning Post.

As North Korea ramps up its military presence in Russia, the international community remains concerned that this cooperation could facilitate the exchange of advanced military technologies that might bolster Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities. Experts speculate that North Korea's troop deployments could be a strategic maneuver to secure future assistance from Russia, enhancing Kim Jong-un’s military agenda New York Times.

This situation highlights the intricate ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly as both nations seek to leverage their mutual interests in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

For further details on troop movements and military strategies, visit BBC.