At least 100 North Koreans killed in Ukraine war, says Seoul

At least 100 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been killed, with nearly 1,000 injured in fighting in Ukraine in the Kursk region, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun shared the figures after a closed-door briefing, attributing the high casualties to the troops' inexperience with drones and unfamiliar terrain.

"In December, they (North Korean troops) engaged in actual combat, during which at least 100 fatalities occurred," Lee said after the briefing. "The National Intelligence Service also reported that the number of injured is expected to reach nearly 1,000."

North Korea has reportedly sent over 10,000 soldiers and significant artillery supplies to aid Russia's war effort against Ukraine.

Despite the reported losses, intelligence suggests North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is training additional forces for deployment. Experts say Kim is keen to acquire advanced technology from Russia and gain battle experience for his troops.

On Thursday, North Korea called its military alliance with Russia "very effective" in deterring the United States and its allies, while condemning a recent statement from Washington and its partners criticizing the ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed troop involvement.