Key facts
- Ukraine's military intelligence claims North Korean troops suffered over 7,000 casualties.
- The fighting occurred in Kursk Oblast.
- The period of fighting was from August 2024 to March 2025.
- North Korean troops fought alongside Russian forces.
- Ukraine alleges North Korea is concealing its actual losses.
- Kyiv states the figure surpasses previous estimates.
- The claims highlight deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Ukraine's military intelligence has released claims indicating that North Korean troops have suffered more than 7,000 casualties while fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. The period specified for these alleged casualties spans from August 2024 to March 2025. This reported figure is notably higher than earlier estimates provided by Ukrainian officials. Kyiv further alleges that North Korea is deliberately concealing the actual number of its soldiers lost in the conflict. This situation underscores the increasingly close military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, with North Korea apparently providing personnel to support Russia's military operations.