According to the National Intelligence Service of South Korea (NIS), about 2,000 North Korean military personnel were killed while participating in hostilities on the side of Russia in Ukraine.
The intelligence service presented these figures during a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee.
In April 2025, the number of deaths was estimated at 600, but updated data indicate a significant increase in casualties.
According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea deployed more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024, mainly to the Kursk region. Artillery shells, missiles, and long-range systems were transferred along with the military.
“According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korea is preparing for the third phase of deployment – about 6,000 troops in Russia. Approximately 1,000 combat engineers have probably already arrived,” Park Sung-won of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea told reporters after the meeting.
North Korea officially recognized the participation of its troops in the war only in April 2025.
Last year, Russia and North Korea signed a military agreement that includes provisions for mutual defense. This step was part of a deepening strategic partnership between the two authoritarian regimes.
