North Korean Casualties in Ukraine War Rise Above 4,000, Claims South Korean Intelligence

Casualties among North Korean troops in Ukraine have increased to over 4,000, up from 3,000 since January, according to the National Intelligence Service. Following significant losses, North Korea has dispatched additional troops. Meanwhile, anxiety about conscription is leading some individuals to take drastic measures to avoid enlistment, and intelligence suggests North Korea remains poised for potential nuclear testing.

Recent reports from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicate that casualties among North Korean troops involved in the Ukraine war have surpassed 4,000. This figure was disclosed by Rep. Lee Seong-kweun, the deputy chair of the National Assembly’s intelligence committee, to The Korea Herald. The casualty total has risen from approximately 3,000, which was reported in January, out of the 11,000 troops North Korea initially sent to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.

Rep. Lee noted that following a temporary withdrawal from the Kursk front line in February due to significant losses, North Korea has sent an additional 3,000 to 4,000 troops to replenish their ranks. He stated that roughly 30 percent of the deployed forces suffered casualties, resulting in a brief absence of North Korean troops from the front line.

The NIS has indicated that these casualties might include high-ranking officers, and North Korea is actively attempting to hide the extent of its military presence in Ukraine. “North Korea tries to recover as many of the bodies of its dead soldiers as possible, rather than leaving them behind,” said Lee, emphasizing the regime’s efforts to conceal its involvement.

While Ukrainian officials have reported that North Korean forces have played a role in bolstering Russia’s position, the NIS maintains that their contribution is not substantial. Lee observed, “North Korean troops were mostly used like expendables in the war,” asserting that they have not significantly influenced Russia’s military success in the recent Kursk battles.

In a further concerning development, it has been reported by the NIS that some North Korean soldiers have been instructed to take their own lives to avoid capture. The lack of official recognition from North Korea regarding its military deployments has created widespread anxiety about potential conscription. As a result, many families hesitate to send their children to war, leading some individuals to resort to self-mutilation as a means to avoid conscription.

Lastly, regarding North Korea’s potential nuclear activities, Rep. Lee mentioned that the NIS believes the country is ready to conduct another nuclear test, although the timing remains uncertain. He stated, “The NIS has been saying for some time now that North Korea is ready to test a nuclear weapon, the only question is when.”

In summary, North Korean troop casualties in the Ukraine war have now exceeded 4,000, with ongoing concerns about the regime’s efforts to conceal its military actions. While reinforcement of North Korean troops is evident, the overall impact on the conflict is deemed minimal by intelligence assessments. The situation continues to escalate anxiety within North Korean society regarding future conscription, as extreme measures to avoid it are reportedly being taken. Finally, North Korea’s readiness for further nuclear testing poses a significant concern for regional and global security.

Original Source: www.koreaherald.com