600 North Korean troops killed while fighting Ukraine, South Korea says

North Korean troops have been actively involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with approximately 600 North Korean soldiers losing their lives in the battle, South Korean lawmakers revealed. The total casualties suffered by North Korea in this conflict amount to about 4,700, including both deaths and injuries. Despite the grim statistics, some of the North Korean troops have shown significant improvement in their combat capabilities over the past six months, thanks to the use of modern weapons such as drones.

According to Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee who was briefed by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, the North Korean military has become more adept and efficient in combat due to their familiarity with new weapons like drones. About 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to fight alongside Russia in the conflict against Ukraine.

Under a defense treaty signed last year, North Korea agreed to send troops and provide weapons to Russia in exchange for technical assistance in spy satellites, drones, and anti-air missiles. Earlier this week, North Korea officially confirmed its involvement in the conflict, claiming to have assisted Russia in reclaiming the Kursk territory from Ukraine.

The Central Military Commission of North Korea stated that leader Kim Jong Un had dispatched troops to Russia to support the Russian armed forces in liberating the Kursk area from Ukrainian control. The commission emphasized the important contribution made by North Korean troops in aiding Russia in seizing the border territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea for sending troops and vowed to honor their sacrifices. He praised the heroism of the DPRK special forces and assured that Russia would always remember and value the efforts of the North Korean soldiers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russia could provide military support to North Korea if needed, in accordance with the defense treaty between the two nations.

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has witnessed significant developments in recent years, with North Korea also sending around 15,000 workers to Russia, as per intelligence assessments cited by lawmakers. The remains of deceased North Korean soldiers were reportedly cremated in Kursk before being repatriated to their homeland.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions to end the war, despite earlier statements suggesting progress towards a resolution between Ukraine and Russia. The evolving dynamics between these global players continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, with implications for regional stability and international relations.