South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has claimed that North Korean troops deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine have suffered casualties.
As reported by South Korean media, the NIS disclosed in a briefing to the National Assembly on Nov. 20 that some North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border, were killed or injured in battles.
A report by RBC-Ukraine on Nov. 18, citing U.S.-based Global Defense Corp, claimed a missile strike by Ukraine using U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles killed around 500 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. The missiles reportedly hit a warehouse housing North Korean troops.
The NIS had earlier reported that North Korea planned to send approximately 10,900 soldiers, primarily Special Forces personnel, to aid Russia. Many of these soldiers, aged in their late teens or early 20s, are believed to lack the training required for modern warfare, raising concerns over potential large-scale casualties.
Additionally, the NIS noted the possible involvement of senior North Korean military leaders, including Kim Yong-bok, in operations on the front lines.
In a related development, the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS), linked to the NIS, suggested that North Korea might deploy additional personnel to bolster Moscow’s cyber warfare against Kyiv. The INSS highlighted increasing collaboration between North Korea and Russia in “cognitive warfare,” which involves spreading disinformation to mislead adversaries.
The military pact signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June reportedly includes cooperation in cyber defense. Analysts believe this could lead to North Korea contributing further resources to Russia’s cyber operations.