It Became Known How Many DPRK Soldiers Were Eliminated In The War Against Ukraine

• 13.02.2026, 14:59

Some of the survivors may be re-sent to the front.

About 6,000 North Korean military personnel have been killed or injured fighting on Russia's side against Ukraine. This was reported by South Korea's Yonhap agency, citing South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

"Intelligence estimates that 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded," the agency quoted a source as saying.

According to intelligence, there are currently about 11,000 military personnel from North Korea in Russia's frontline Kursk region. Of these, about 10,000 are combat units and another thousand are engineering troops.

In addition, about 1,100 military personnel who returned to North Korea in December 2025 may be sent back to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.

Despite the significant losses, South Korean intelligence says the North Korean army has gotten practical results from participating in combat operations.

"Despite 6,000 casualties, the North Korean army has achieved results in the form of acquiring modern battlefield tactics as well as modernizing its weapon systems with technical assistance from Russia," the report said.

Pyongyang has established a new drone department and is working to form a system capable of developing and mass producing drones.