North Korean Troops in Russia Are Getting Killed Off Fast—Here’s Why It’s So Controversial

As reports confirm that North Korean troops deployed to Russia are now actively engaged in combat, speculation is growing that Russia may be using these soldiers as “cannon fodder” in the ongoing conflict.

Intelligence agencies have gathered specific information regarding the casualties among North Korean military personnel. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized the toll on these troops, asserting that many have been killed or wounded during combat.

In an interview with Kyodo News Sunday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that North Korean soldiers stationed in western Russia have suffered significant losses.

He went on to predict that more North Korean troops would be sent to the front lines, where Russian and Ukrainian forces are actively clashing, suggesting they would be used as expendable resources by the Russian military.

The Kyodo News report did not specify the exact number of North Korean casualties. However, the U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that casualties occurred in the Kursk region following Ukrainian airstrikes. A U.S. defense official speaking to Radio Free Asia also corroborated reports of North Korean military deaths.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service further supported these claims, stating that they have intelligence confirming North Korean casualties and are closely monitoring the situation.

In this context, the Department of Defense noted that North Korean troops were participating under the Russian military’s command and mentioned the possibility that they could become cannon fodder.

South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun recently shared similar concerns, stating that one North Korean squad is assigned to each Russian army company. He explained that this structure suggests that North Korean units are likely sent to the most dangerous parts of the battlefield, making them vulnerable to high casualties. “From a Russian company commander’s perspective, sending these squads into the most dangerous zones is a strategic choice, and the term’ cannon fodder’ seems fitting,” said Kim.

As the conflict continues, experts warn that North Korean forces may face severe losses during the expected heavy attrition battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The intensification of negotiations, particularly after the expected inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in January, could further elevate tensions, potentially leading to more casualties.

Experts also predict that North Korea might demand advanced military technology transfers from Russia as compensation for the losses sustained by its troops. This could be seen as a form of “blood payment” for their involvement in the conflict.

Regardless of the incoming U.S. administration, experts emphasize the importance of acknowledging the real combat experience North Korean troops are gaining, especially in modern warfare tactics like drone operations. Shin Beom Cheol, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, called for a more detailed analysis of North Korean troop movements in light of the intensified conflict expected in the coming months. He also suggested that South Korea strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine to understand and respond to these developments better.