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North Korean military units involved in the fighting in Russia’s Kursk region have abandoned their positions due to significant losses, South Korean intelligence reports. According to Yonhap News, the DPRK troops were withdrawn from the front line in mid-January 2025 after losses among North Korean soldiers increased significantly

Heavy losses among the North Korean military
According to intelligence reports, North Korea has sent about 11,000 troops to support Russia in its aggression against Ukraine. However, analysts estimate that 300 North Korean soldiers were killed and about 2,700 others were wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. According to experts, these significant losses were one of the main reasons why the DPRK decided to retreat its troops and stop participating in hostilities.

Situation at the frontline
Since mid-January, there have been no signs of North Korean troops taking part in hostilities in Russia. This indicates that their withdrawal was the result of serious losses, particularly among junior officers and soldiers. The retreat of North Korean troops may also indicate a change in Russia’s strategy for supporting the war.