North Korean Troop Deaths in Russia-Ukraine War Cross 4,700, Says South Korean Intelligence

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Center-Leaning

Why: The report is sourced primarily from South Korean intelligence and official statements, using cautious wording with an emphasis on verified data, without overt ideological framing.

What Happened

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed on Wednesday that an estimated 4,700 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The casualties include at least 600 confirmed deaths. The report comes shortly after North Korea officially acknowledged its military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war for the first time.

Key Numbers

Total North Korean casualties: Approximately 4,700
Confirmed deaths: Around 600
Injured soldiers: About 4,100
Repatriated wounded soldiers: 2,000 between January and March 2025
Estimated North Korean troops sent since last fall: 10,000–12,000
Additional troops deployed in 2025: About 3,000

North Korea’s Official Position

On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed that combat troops had been sent to support Russia’s effort to recapture the Kursk region, which Ukraine temporarily held last year. He framed the mission as a fight to “annihilate Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin later expressed gratitude, stating that North Korea’s contributions and sacrifices would not be forgotten. This military cooperation falls under the 2024 defense treaty signed by North Korea and Russia, which mandates mutual assistance if either country is attacked.

Military and Economic Exchange

According to South Korea’s NIS and lawmakers who attended the closed-door briefing:

Russia has provided North Korea with:
- Air defense missiles
- Electronic warfare systems
- Drones
- Satellite launch technologies
North Korea has provided Russia with:
- Missiles and artillery valued in the billions of dollars
- Military personnel for combat and logistical support
Labor exports: 15,000 North Korean workers have been sent to Russia under bilateral cooperation agreements.

Despite the high value of weapons sent, there is no confirmed evidence of Russia paying North Korea directly in cash.

Context and Global Response

Officials from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine have raised concerns that this deepening military alliance between Russia and North Korea could have broader consequences for regional and global security.

There is growing international scrutiny over North Korea’s direct combat involvement, which violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms transfers involving Pyongyang.

Western analysts believe this alliance serves dual purposes: helping Russia replenish its military supplies and providing North Korea with advanced military technologies in return.

The Bottom Line

North Korea's active role in Russia's war against Ukraine, including the deployment of troops and large-scale arms support, signals a major shift in international military alignments. With increasing casualties and deeper defense cooperation, the implications of this partnership are likely to draw further international reaction in the coming months.