Wed Apr 30 04:35:48 UTC 2025: ## South Korea Estimates Hundreds of North Korean Casualties in Ukraine War
**Seoul, South Korea** – South Korean lawmakers have revealed grim new estimates of North Korean casualties in the Ukraine war, citing a briefing from the country’s intelligence agency. Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed, with a total of 4,700 killed or wounded, according to lawmakers Lee Seong-kweun and Kim Byung-kee. The figures, presented following a closed-door meeting with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on Wednesday, represent a substantial increase from previous estimates.
The lawmakers, who co-chair the legislature’s intelligence committee, stated that the NIS estimates around 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia’s war effort. This confirmation follows Monday’s announcement by North Korea’s official news agency, KCNA, that its troops are participating in the conflict.
The increased casualty figures highlight the significant human cost of North Korea’s involvement. In January, the NIS reportedly estimated only around 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed. Lawmakers also noted that Pyongyang appears to have received advanced weaponry and technical assistance, including spy satellite technology, in return for its military support. The NIS assessment suggests North Korean troops have gained combat experience and improved their capabilities through the use of drones and other new weaponry. This improvement, despite the high number of casualties, indicates a potential increase in North Korea’s military proficiency.
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