North Korean Soldiers Withdrawn from Kursk Front, South Korea Reports

Recent intelligence from South Korea suggests that North Korean soldiers who were previously positioned at the front lines in Russia’s Kursk region have not participated in any combat operations since mid-January. The South Korean National Intelligence Service indicated that the lack of engagement could be attributed to high casualty rates among the North Korean forces, although the situation is still under observation for further details.

Ukraine's military claimed that these North Korean troops were likely withdrawn after sustaining significant losses. Intelligence reports from multiple agencies—including those from Western countries, South Korea, and Ukraine—estimate that over 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to support Russian military operations in the Kursk area. This region, which became a focal point after Ukraine launched a significant offensive in August, has seen Kyiv successfully capture several border settlements, marking a rare incursion into Russian territory since World War II.

While the deployment intended to bolster Russian defenses against Ukrainian advances, the situation has not turned in favor of Russia, as Ukraine continues to maintain control over substantial areas within Russian-held territory. Despite the North Korean and Russian governments not officially acknowledging the troop deployment, there was a recent agreement established that included mutual defense provisions during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea.