North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have suffered significant losses, with “several hundred” killed or wounded during combat in the Kursk region.

That’s according to the Associated Press, citing a senior US military official on condition of anonymity.

"Several hundred casualties is our latest estimate that the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] has suffered,” the official said, noting that this includes “everything from... light wounds up to being KIA [killed in action],” with soldiers of all ranks affected.

The presence of North Korean troops in Russia was first reported in October 2024, prior to their deployment to the front lines. These forces, believed to number between 10,000 and 12,000, have reportedly been integrated into Russian units and, in some cases, have operated independently. According to the official, their lack of battlefield experience has been a key factor in the high casualty rates.

The deployment of North Korean forces represents a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently confirmed their presence, stating they have participated in joint Russian operations to recapture areas in Kursk seized by Kyiv’s forces in August 2024. Zelenskiy added that North Korean troops had already experienced substantial losses and suggested they might soon be redeployed to other sectors of the front.

This development comes amid Russia’s broader effort to regain territory lost to Ukraine earlier in the year. Following Ukraine’s capture of approximately 1,400 square kilometres of land in Kursk, Russia has launched counteroffensives, reclaiming over half of the lost territory to date.

The growing military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang underscores North Korea’s strategic goals of acquiring battlefield experience and advanced Russian military technology. The two nations signed a landmark defence pact earlier this year, solidifying their cooperation. However, the involvement of North Korean troops has drawn sharp criticism from US and South Korean officials, who have called it a dangerous escalation.

The use of North Korean forces also highlights the strains on Russia’s resources and manpower. Reports suggest that Moscow is suffering up to 1,200 daily casualties across all fronts. Although Russia has offered substantial financial incentives to bolster recruitment, speculation persists that additional reinforcements may be requested from Pyongyang. In November, reports indicated that North Korea might send up to 100,000 troops as part of a broader agreement with Russia.