North Korean Casualties Rise in Ukraine Conflict

The White House has reported that Russia is employing North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, with estimates suggesting around 11,000 have been deployed. According to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, these troops are suffering heavy casualties, with approximately 1,000 killed or wounded just in the past week, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates around 3,000 have been affected overall. Many North Korean soldiers reportedly choose suicide over capture, fearing repercussions for their families back home. South Korean intelligence indicates that these troops are poorly trained for the battlefield, particularly against drone attacks. A recent incident included the capture of an injured North Korean soldier, marking a significant development in the conflict. The situation reflects a grim reality where North Korean forces are being treated as expendable in futile assaults against Ukrainian defenses.