North Korean Forces Face Complete Loss in Kursk

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has predicted that the entire contingent of approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia's Kursk region could be killed or wounded by mid-April 2025 due to ongoing high casualty rates, currently estimated at about 92 soldiers per day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that as of early January, 3,800 North Korean troops had already sustained injuries or fatalities. The situation has escalated since North Korean forces began engaging in more extensive combat operations in December 2024, leading to significant losses. South Korean intelligence has also reported casualties, indicating 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries among North Korean troops. The ISW noted that while North Korean forces may suffer a higher ratio of wounded to killed, it is uncertain whether those injured will return to combat. This projection raises concerns about the potential impact on Russia's military capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.