North Korea preparing additional military support for Russia amid heavy losses

North Korea is reportedly preparing to send additional military forces and equipment, potentially including drones, to Russia, Yonhap news agency reported on Monday, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces.

According to South Korean intelligence, approximately 100 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia have been killed, with about 1,000 wounded.

The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reported via Telegram this morning that 77 North Korean soldiers have been killed and more than 40 wounded over the past three days in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine has intensified operations.

Since August 2024, Ukraine has conducted a ground operation in the Kursk region, bordering Ukraine’s Sumy region, aiming to establish a buffer zone to safeguard its border.

Reports first emerged in October 2024 suggesting that North Korea had deployed thousands of troops to aid Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.