North Korean military personnel have been integrated with Russian paratroopers and marines. Some of them are already fighting in the Kursk region.
This was reported by Dong-A Ilbo.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated that North Korean soldiers were transferred to the Kursk region approximately late last month. North Korean troops heading to the front are assigned to Russian airborne and marine units.
The NIS stated, "Since North Korean forces have begun participating in frontline combat, casualties are expected." However, the agency noted conflicting reports from foreign media regarding casualties, defections, or prisoners of war among North Korean troops, adding that it is working to clarify the information.
Regarding the scale of North Korean troop deployments, the NIS estimated the number to be between 10,900 and 12,000 soldiers. The agency warned that as the war drags on, North Korean troop losses may increase, potentially prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to request additional deployments from North Korea.
The NIS also confirmed further military supplies from North Korea, including long-range artillery such as the 170-mm self-propelled howitzers and 240-mm multiple rocket launchers. This development raises concerns as these systems could significantly impact the battlefield, especially with the intensification of the conflict following the U.S. decision to supply ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.
