This was stated by a South Korean lawmaker citing intelligence data, reports Reuters.
“About 600 North Korean military personnel (out of a total of 15,000) were killed while fighting on russia’s side against Ukraine”, - the statement says.
According to National Assembly member of the Republic of Korea Lee Sung-kwon, “currently, the losses of North Korean troops are estimated at approximately 4,700 people, including about 600 dead”.
It is noted that since the beginning of this year, about 2,000 soldiers were returned to North Korea, and are now being held in isolation in Pyongyang and other locations.
“As I understand it, the bodies of the fallen soldiers were cremated on site in russia’s Kursk oblast before their [ashes] were transported back to the DPRK”, - said Lee Sung-kwon.
According to South Korean intelligence, in total, North Korea deployed 15,000 troops to russia in two stages. It is reported that DPRK military personnel have shown signs of improved combat capabilities.
South Korean intelligence has not yet detected signs of a new DPRK troop deployment, but does not rule out that it may happen.
It is worth recalling that Kim Jong-un promised that the DPRK would continue to support the russian federation in its war against Ukraine.