South Korean officials have reported that at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting alongside Russian forces.

This revelation comes amid escalating tensions and complex international dynamics surrounding the war.

According to Lee Sung-kwon, a South Korean Member of Parliament, the casualties occurred as North Korean troops engaged in combat in the Kursk region of Russia. "The high number of casualties can be attributed to the unfamiliar battlefield environment," Lee stated, citing intelligence briefings from the National Intelligence Service. He further explained that North Korean forces are being utilized as "expendable frontline assault units" and are struggling with drone warfare, which has become a pivotal aspect of modern combat.

Reports indicate that these North Korean soldiers were embedded with elite Russian units, including Marines and Airborne troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the involvement of North Korean soldiers, stating, "Today, we already have preliminary data that the Russians have begun to use North Korean soldiers in their assaults. A number of them."

The Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) confirmed that North Korean troops were effectively targeted by drones in the Kursk region, leading to substantial losses.

The GUR estimated combined losses of Russians and North Koreans at 200 on the first day of engagement. Despite the heavy toll, neither Russia nor North Korea has officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops. However, a statement from North Korea's state news agency KCNA emphasized the country's alliance with Moscow, describing it as a deterrent against "the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence."

The presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict marks a notable escalation, with reports suggesting that North Korea had sent approximately 10,000 troops to support Russia's war effort.

These troops, lacking previous combat experience, initially underwent training and served in support roles before being thrust into active combat.