North Korean Troops Sustain 4,700 Casualties, 600 Deaths in Ukraine

South Korean lawmakers, citing intelligence reports, revealed that North Korea has deployed approximately 15,000 troops to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine, resulting in around 600 deaths and a total of 4,700 casualties, including injuries. North Korea recently confirmed for the first time that its troops are operating in Russia, specifically aiding Moscow in reclaiming territory in the Kursk region. The reports indicate that North Korean forces have shown improved combat capabilities after six months of fighting, notably through the use of modern weapons like drones. In exchange for military support and weapon supplies, North Korea is believed to have received technical assistance from Russia for satellite, drone, and missile technologies. Some of the fallen North Korean soldiers were cremated locally before their remains were returned home, and there have been reports of misconduct among the troops. The deployment has brought North Korea and Russia closer both economically and politically, despite international sanctions on North Korean labor and military involvement abroad.