"Possibility of a Third Deployment Remains"
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on April 30 that among North Korean troops dispatched to Russia, there have been approximately 4,700 casualties, including around 600 fatalities.
According to lawmakers Lee Sungkwon of the People Power Party and Kim Byungki of the Democratic Party of Korea, the NIS presented this information during a closed-door briefing with the National Assembly Intelligence Committee.
The NIS stated that North Korea has sent a total of 15,000 troops to Russia in two separate deployments. After Russian forces recaptured most of the Kursk region in western Russia, which had been entered by Ukrainian forces, the level of fighting has decreased. However, the NIS assessed that the possibility of a third deployment cannot be completely ruled out.
The NIS also evaluated that, although North Korean troops initially showed signs of inexperience, their combat capabilities have significantly improved as they have become accustomed to new equipment such as drones.
However, as the deployment period has lengthened, incidents of misconduct within the North Korean military, such as excessive drinking and theft, have reportedly occurred.
The NIS reported that, in exchange for troop dispatch and weapons exports, North Korea has received reconnaissance satellite launch pads and technical consulting, actual drones, electronic warfare equipment, and SA-22 surface-to-air missiles from Russia.
Amid ongoing discussions on industrial modernization in 14 sectors, including metals, aviation, energy, and tourism, the NIS has identified that approximately 15,000 North Korean workers have been sent to Russia.
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