North Korean Troops in Kursk: The cost of supporting Russia
North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region have encountered significant challenges, including severe casualties, poor conditions, and psychological strain. Sent under a military cooperation agreement, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers arrived in mid-2024, reportedly under the command of Colonel General Kim Yong Bok, commander of the North Korean special forces. However, their involvement has been marred by logistical shortcomings, insufficient training, and fierce opposition from Ukrainian forces.
North Korean soldiers arriving at a Russian training camp
Heavy Casualties and Operational Struggles
By late 2024, reports indicated that over 3,000 North Korean troops had been killed or wounded. Many soldiers, unprepared for modern warfare, had no tactical awareness of how to counter the relentless Ukrainian drone attacks. The troops relied heavily on Russian artillery support, which proved unreliable at times, with reports of friendly fire incidents further exacerbating losses. North Korea has reportedly declined to repatriate the bodies of soldiers killed, this decision stems from concerns that returning the remains could provoke public anger and potentially lead to civil unrest within North Korea.
In lieu of repatriation, North Korean authorities are issuing certificates of war to the families of deceased soldiers. However, the bodies are not being returned, and there are reports that North Korean officials are exploring methods, such as utilizing facilities that rapidly freeze and crush remains.
Captured soldiers, claiming to be from the 'Korean People’s Army Special Operations Force (KPASOF)' revealed that many had been deceived into believing they were attending military training abroad rather than deploying to active combat zones. Their lack of familiarity with drone warfare and modern tactics left them vulnerable, leading to devastating losses in the early stages of their deployment. Ukrainian assessments suggested that the surviving troops were temporarily withdrawn in January 2025, only to be hastily replenished and sent back to the front lines in February.
Captured North Korean soldier in Ukraine
Psychological and Ideological Strain
The psychological toll on North Korean soldiers has been immense. Accounts of suicides among troops to avoid capture have surfaced, driven by fears of severe punishment for their families back home. In North Korea, perceived military failure often results in harsh repercussions, further increasing soldiers' distress.
Embedded Ministry of State Security agents closely monitored troops, enforcing ideological discipline and preventing dissent. Soldiers were subjected to strict surveillance, with even minor acts of defiance met with severe punishment. Misinformation campaigns were also prevalent, with agents claiming that Ukrainian drones were being operated by South Koreans to stoke nationalist fervor and reduce sympathy for the enemy.
Strategic Gains for North Korea
While the human cost of North Korea's involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine has been significant, the regime stands to gain from the combat experience it's troops are acquiring. Military analysts suggest that the surviving officers and soldiers will return with valuable firsthand knowledge of modern warfare. This experience includes exposure to advanced combat tactics, drone operations, electronic warfare and complex front line logistics — areas in which North Korea has traditionally lagged behind more technologically advanced militaries.
The insights gained from the battlefield will likely be carefully studied and incorporated into North Korea’s military doctrine. Observers anticipate that the Korean People’s Army (KPA) may adapt its training programs to emphasize counter-drone measures and the effective use of unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, the experience of operating alongside Russian forces and observing the tactical successes and failures of modern mechanized warfare will provide Pyongyang with critical lessons on large-scale combat operations.
Furthermore, North Korea's military-industrial complex may benefit from exposure to Russian weapons systems and battlefield tactics. Analysts suggest that knowledge gained from the war could accelerate the development of indigenous weapons and technological adaptations, particularly in the fields of electronic warfare and air defense. These advancements may also influence North Korea's asymmetric warfare strategies, as the regime has historically relied on unconventional tactics to offset technological inferiority.
In the long term, this combat experience could strengthen North Korea’s regional military posture, particularly along its heavily fortified border with South Korea. Enhanced training methods, improved battlefield coordination, and refined logistical systems may make the KPA a more formidable force. Additionally, the perceived success of its military personnel abroad may serve as valuable propaganda, reinforcing domestic narratives of North Korean military strength.
Access to captured Western military equipment would be a significant opportunity for North Korea, offering a rare chance to study and reverse-engineer advanced weaponry, vehicles, communication systems, and other military hardware. By analyzing these technologies, North Korea could accelerate the development of its own defense systems, enhance missile guidance and electronic warfare capabilities, and improve the durability and effectiveness of its military assets. Additionally, insights gained from Western systems could inform countermeasures against such technologies, bolstering North Korea’s asymmetric warfare strategies. This access would not only modernize its military but also strengthen its geopolitical influence, particularly if Pyongyang shares its findings with other adversarial states.
US gifted Main Battle Tank captured by Russia
Strengthening Relationship
On March 22, 2025, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu traveled to Pyongyang for a high-level meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This diplomatic engagement signals the continuation of North Korea’s support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It is widely speculated that the meeting will not only reinforce the current supply of ammunition and personnel but may also signal an expansion of North Korea's involvement in the conflict. Given the strategic importance of both Russia and North Korea’s evolving military cooperation, the meeting likely paves the way for deeper integration in their bilateral military efforts, with potential increases in arms shipments, military training, and logistical support. This development underscores the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and highlights the deepening military alliance between the two nations.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the future of North Korean troops in Kursk remains uncertain. However, their experiences offer a stark insight into the cost of military alliances and the human toll of being Russia's ally.
