North Korea Increases Military Support to Russia Amid Heavy Casualties

As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, North Korea has reportedly sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. This follows a significant deployment of North Korean forces, totaling around 11,000, to support Russian military efforts in the Kursk region, aimed at recapturing lost territories.

The report reveals that North Korean soldiers had initially been engaged in combat but experienced substantial casualties, prompting a temporary pullback. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed the return of North Korean troops to frontline positions earlier this month, a sentiment echoed by South Korean intelligence sources. Despite the risks, military analysts suggest that North Korea views participation in this conflict as an opportunity to gain insights into modern warfare, albeit at a significant human cost.

Concerns are also mounting regarding the support North Korea receives from Russia in return for its military aid, potentially including food, fuel, and advanced weaponry technologies. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to be attempting to fortify his military assets and diplomatic relations, particularly in light of past interactions with Russia and renewed talks of diplomacy with the U.S. under President Trump.