At least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a report shared by South Korean intelligence officials. The grim revelation was made by Lee Sung-kwon, a member of South Korea's National Assembly, after receiving a briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The briefing outlined that North Korea deployed soldiers to support Russia's military efforts in Ukraine earlier this year. Since their arrival in October, over 1,000 soldiers have been injured, and many high-ranking officers have been reported among the dead. The casualties have been attributed to the North Korean forces' unfamiliarity with the combat terrain and their lack of experience with modern warfare tactics, particularly drone operations, which have played a critical role in the conflict.

Reports suggest that the North Korean forces were not prepared for the challenges of the battlefield, especially in regions like Kursk, where intense fighting continues. Despite undergoing training in Russia, many of these soldiers had never seen combat before and were ill-prepared for the sophisticated weaponry and drone warfare strategies now central to the conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine confirmed that Russian forces have been increasingly relying on North Korean troops in attacks near the Kursk region.

Although their role in the war was first reported in October, it wasn't until later that officials confirmed the scale of the deployment. Initially, it was said that only a few dozen North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded, but this number grew significantly, reaching several hundred. U.S. officials had earlier noted that North Korean soldiers were being used in less critical roles, but the heavy losses suffered by these troops have raised questions about their effectiveness and adaptability in modern warfare.

In addition to facing combat challenges, North Korean troops have been described as expendable frontline units in Russia's military strategy. According to Lee Sung-kwon, this tactical approach has made them more of a liability than an asset. The difficulties faced by North Korean soldiers have led to growing complaints within the Russian military about their ineffectiveness in battle.

Despite the mounting casualties, neither Russia nor North Korea has officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine. However, a recent statement from North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Moscow, framing it as essential to countering what they described as the "ill-intended" influence of the U.S. and the West.

The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict has added a complex layer to the war, involving multiple nations either directly or indirectly. As the conflict continues, the role of these soldiers and their heavy losses remain a subject of ongoing concern.