North Korean troops have reportedly been pulled back from the frontline in Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, following severe losses sustained during combat. British military intelligence has suggested that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers may have been killed or wounded since their deployment.
North Korea’s deployment to Russia’s frontline
Pyongyang is believed to have sent approximately 11,000 troops to assist Russia’s military efforts, specifically in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counter-offensive last summer. Russia has been attempting to reclaim territory in this area, but Ukrainian resistance has slowed their advance.
In its latest intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated:
“In Russia’s Kursk oblast (province), Russia made minor advances in January 2025.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea units which had been deployed on offensive combat operations in Kursk Oblast have temporarily withdrawn from frontline positions, likely to rest and refit before redeploying.
This is almost certainly primarily due to heavy losses sustained during attacks against Ukrainian-held positions.”
Heavy casualties and poor training
Reports vary on the exact number of casualties, but some estimates suggest as many as 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded. This high casualty rate has raised concerns about the preparedness of these troops, with claims that many were poorly trained before being thrown into battle.
Russian commanders reportedly delayed deploying North Korean forces upon their arrival, realising they were not adequately trained for frontline combat. Some North Korean soldiers were allegedly under the impression that they were being sent on a training exercise rather than directly into the war.
There have also been reports that some North Korean soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces, further highlighting the challenges faced by Pyongyang’s troops in Russia’s war effort.
Putin’s rush to gain territory before Trump’s presidency
The withdrawal of North Korean forces comes as Russian troops continue to push forward in eastern Ukraine, albeit at a slower pace. Analysts believe that Putin has been attempting to seize as much territory as possible before Donald Trump assumes the US presidency later this month.
Putin is thought to be preparing for potential negotiations to end the conflict, positioning Russia in a stronger bargaining position by capturing more Ukrainian land—even at the cost of heavy military losses.
However, British intelligence reports indicate that Russia’s recent advances have been relatively minor. The MoD update added:
“In January 2025, Russia’s territorial advances in Ukraine slowed as they took approximately 320 sq km, compared with approximately 400 sq km in December 2024.
Russia seized control of the stronghold of Velyka Novosilka, but advances along most of the frontline have been relatively minor.
Through 2024, Russian advances had been accelerating, with over 700 sq km taken in November 2024, one of the quickest rates of advance since the early stages of the conflict.”
While Russia continues to push forward, the slowing pace of its offensive suggests increasing difficulties, potentially linked to the high number of casualties among both Russian and allied forces, including the North Koreans.
Ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine
Despite the challenges faced by Russian troops, Moscow continues to carry out deadly attacks on Ukrainian targets. Russian forces reportedly took control of the village of Druzhba in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that three people were killed in a Russian guided bomb attack on the Sumy region in the northeast of the country. The strike, which took place on Thursday night, destroyed a residential building in the village of Myropillya.
Ukraine’s military also claimed on Friday that it successfully shot down 81 out of 112 drones launched by Russia overnight. Of the total number launched, 31 drones reportedly failed to reach their targets, likely due to electronic warfare tactics employed by Ukrainian defence forces.
War of information and propaganda
While intelligence reports from the UK, the US, and Ukraine provide valuable insights into the war, it is important to approach all wartime information with caution. Western officials have accused Russia of spreading disinformation to manipulate global perceptions of the conflict.
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Similarly, British and American intelligence briefings are part of an ongoing information war, designed to counter Russian propaganda. However, they remain more credible than many of the narratives promoted by the Kremlin.
What next for North Korea’s role in the conflict?
The temporary withdrawal of North Korean troops raises questions about Pyongyang’s continued involvement in the war. Some analysts believe that North Korea could send additional reinforcements to Russia or redeploy existing troops after a period of rest and reorganisation.
However, the significant losses suffered by North Korean units may force Russia to rethink its reliance on Pyongyang’s military support. If the reports of poorly trained and ill-prepared North Korean soldiers are accurate, their effectiveness in combat remains questionable.
With Russia’s advances slowing and Ukraine continuing to defend its territory with Western-supplied weaponry, the conflict remains at a critical juncture. As Putin pushes ahead with his military objectives, all eyes are now on the changing dynamics of international support and the role of external forces like North Korea in shaping the next phase of the war.
