North Korean forces deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine have reportedly ceased combat operations in the Kursk region since mid-January, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The intelligence assessment suggests that high casualty rates may have been a primary factor in the apparent withdrawal, though efforts are underway to determine the exact reason.
The NIS estimates that North Korea sent approximately 11,000 troops to aid Russian forces in the conflict. Of these, around 300 are believed to have been killed, while an estimated 2,700 have been wounded.
The deployment, which began in the fall of 2024, was aimed at bolstering Russian military efforts in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces had been engaged in combat since early August.
While North Korean troops played a role in supporting Russian operations, their absence from the battlefield since mid-January raises questions about the sustainability of their involvement.
Ukrainian special forces, citing intelligence obtained by the New York Times, confirmed that Kim Jong Un’s troops have not been observed in active combat for nearly three weeks.
Officials told the New York Times that the withdrawn North Korean troops may return to combat after receiving reinforcements and additional training. However, the extent of Pyongyang’s continued involvement remains unclear.
Moscow has relied on military support from North Korea, its key ally, as it seeks to push back Ukrainian forces in border regions. Meanwhile, Kyiv views its presence in Kursk as a potential leverage point in future negotiations.
For now, the status of North Korean forces in the region remains uncertain, as intelligence agencies continue to monitor developments on the ground.