Around 4,000 of the 14,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to fight for Russia are believed to have been killed in combat. The soldiers were sent to the front line in Ukraine as part of Kim Jong-un's military support for Vladimir Putin's war effort.
Many of the North Korean troops did not know they were being sent to Ukraine when they were deployed, according to reports. The revelation highlights the secretive nature of the military operation and the lack of information provided to the soldiers about their true destination.
Heavy casualties on front line
Casualty figures for North Korean forces range from 2,000 to 4,000 soldiers killed in combat since their deployment began. Kim Jong-un has acknowledged that some of his soldiers have died fighting in Ukraine, marking a rare admission from the North Korean leader about military losses.
The Ukraine front line has been characterised as a "meat-grinder" for North Korean forces, according to reports. The heavy losses suggest Putin's strategy of using North Korean troops to bolster Russian forces has come at a significant human cost.
Strategic implications
The high casualty rate among North Korean soldiers indicates that Putin's war plan may be struggling despite the additional manpower. The deployment represents a significant escalation in North Korea's direct military involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Kim Jong-un's recent visit to Beijing for an anti-NATO summit provides broader geopolitical context for the military alliance between North Korea and Russia. The partnership has deepened as both countries face increasing international isolation.
Sources used: "Daily Star", "Express", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
