Around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 injured while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to an AFP report, citing South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun. The figures, shared after a briefing from Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), highlight the significant toll on North Korean troops reportedly sent as reinforcements for Moscow in exchange for technical support from Russia for Pyongyang’s weapons and satellite programs.
The deployment includes elite North Korean Storm Corps units, some of whom were allegedly ordered to commit suicide or self-detonate rather than face capture, Lee said. Memos found on deceased soldiers reportedly revealed pressure from North Korean authorities to avoid becoming prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced over the weekend that Kyiv had captured two injured North Korean soldiers, sharing video evidence and suggesting the possibility of a prisoner swap for Ukrainian troops held by Russia. One captured soldier claimed he was misled into believing he was undergoing military training and expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while another expressed interest in staying in Ukraine.
South Korea, the United States, and Ukraine have accused North Korea of sending over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations, although the two nations have reportedly increased military cooperation since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The NIS briefing also indicated that North Korean troops lacked modern warfare training, contributing to high casualty rates. Meanwhile, Zelensky hinted at options for North Korean soldiers who choose not to return home.
