This was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), in an interview with The Chosun. This information is also shared by Kontrakty.UA.
North Korea's Casualties in the War
According to Budanov, North Korea has lost approximately 4,000 military personnel killed, in addition to many others severely wounded during the war against Ukraine.
Despite these losses, North Korea remains actively involved in joint operations with Russian forces. Notably, there has been an increase in the number of North Korean artillery units.
Modernization of Forces
The head of HUR explained that today, Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea are the only countries gaining direct experience in conducting a full-scale war of the 21st century. In the future, the North Korean army will differ significantly from its past.
He also emphasized that Russia and North Korea are deepening their military cooperation in the fields of technology, science, and industry.
"This cooperation has reached the highest level and poses a serious threat to the international community... North Korea is utilizing this war to gain combat experience and modernize its military technologies. This will have long-lasting implications for the security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region,” he noted.
North Korea's Involvement in the War Against Ukraine
In 2024, North Korea sent soldiers to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. North Korean forces are engaged in combat in the Kursk region.
At the beginning of February, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) stated that North Korea has lost around 4,000 soldiers in the Kursk region.
Additionally, according to NHK, North Korea is receiving technical assistance from Russia to develop several types of drones for mass production.