Overview

• North Korea is suspected of preparing to send more troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• Approximately 11,000-12,000 North Korean soldiers have already been deployed, with reports of heavy casualties, including up to 4,000 killed or wounded since late 2024.
• Pyongyang has also supplied Russia with artillery systems, rocket launchers, and short-range ballistic missiles, with further shipments expected.
• North Korea's lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the battlefield have contributed to high casualty rates, highlighting challenges in their effectiveness.
• The increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has raised concerns about potential technology transfers that could bolster Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.