Thu Feb 06 10:34:32 UTC 2025: **South Korean Intelligence Reveals North Korean Troop Withdrawal From Ukraine; Heavy Casualties Reported**

SEOUL/KYIV – South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported this week that North Korean troops deployed to the Russian Kursk region have withdrawn from the battlefield in Ukraine, citing a lack of activity since mid-January. An estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers were initially deployed last December to bolster Russian forces. The NIS confirmed previous reports of significant casualties among the North Korean contingent, estimating around 3,000 dead or wounded, aligning with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s estimate of 4,000. While the absence could be temporary, Zelenskyy has indicated a potential deployment of 25,000 additional North Korean troops.

The withdrawal comes amidst staggering losses for both sides. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence reported nearly 48,000 Russian casualties last month, the second-highest monthly total of the war. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that Russia’s territorial gains have significantly decreased, acquiring only 498 square kilometers in January compared to 593 in December, despite maintaining a similar casualty rate. This indicates diminishing returns for Russia’s offensive efforts, with the ISW estimating at least two more years to conquer Donetsk alone.

Ukraine is also facing manpower challenges, pausing efforts to build new brigades and instead using reserves to replace losses within existing units. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s military has lost 45,100 soldiers, while reports suggest 50,000 reservists are being prepared for deployment to the front lines.

Russia appears to be shifting tactics, attempting encirclement strategies rather than large-scale mechanized offensives, as evidenced by the reported attempts to encircle Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. Despite these tactics, Russia continues its relentless bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, with Zelenskyy reporting hundreds of missiles and drones launched last week, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including a deadly missile strike on an apartment building in Poltava.

In response, Ukraine has continued its attacks on Russian military infrastructure, targeting oil refineries and gas processing plants, as well as command centers and air defense systems. International support for Ukraine continues, with Sweden and Finland announcing significant new military aid packages. However, newly elected US President Donald Trump has conditioned further US aid on Ukraine providing access to its rare earth minerals, raising concerns about the future of US military assistance. The report also highlighted past delays in US aid delivery under the Biden administration. The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, with the situation on the ground remaining highly volatile and uncertain.

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