Rising Casualties of North Korean Forces in Ukraine Exceed 4,000
The South Korean NIS reports over 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or injured in Ukraine. This figure has risen sharply from prior assessments. North Korea may have sent more troops to compensate for losses. There is heightened anxiety regarding conscription within North Korea, and the potential for nuclear testing remains. Succession concerns centered on Kim Jong-un’s daughter, Ju-ae, continue.
According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea, the casualty count of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine has surpassed 4,000. This increase was disclosed by Representative Lee Seong-kweun of the People Power Party, who noted this data reflects the losses up to mid-March, marking a rise from an estimated 3,000 injuries or deaths reported in January.
Lee highlighted that North Korea had previously sent roughly 11,000 troops to support Russia, indicating around one-third have now sustained casualties. The NIS also believes that North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,000 to 4,000 troops to offset these losses after a brief withdrawal from the front.
The lawmaker mentioned that the NIS suspects casualties may include senior officers of North Korean forces, although confirming this is challenging due to North Korea’s efforts to obscure its military activities. It is reported that North Korea endeavors to recover the bodies of its deceased soldiers to mask their involvement in the war.
Moreover, North Korean troops are reportedly instructed to opt for self-destruction to avoid capture, indicating the extreme measures taken to protect their military protocols.
While it has been suggested that North Korean forces could tip the battle balance in favor of Russia, the NIS does not regard this contribution as significant. Lee described the North Korean troops as largely expendable, asserting their impact on recent Russian gains in the Kursk region is minimal.
As for the recruitment of additional soldiers, there is increased anxiety within North Korea regarding conscription. Young individuals are exhibiting drastic actions, such as self-harm, to evade enlistment, prompting authorities to offer incentives to mitigate public unrest.
On the topic of nuclear capabilities, Lee asserted that the NIS believes North Korea is poised to conduct a nuclear test at any moment. Furthermore, the assessment regarding Ju-ae, daughter of Kim Jong-un, as a leading candidate for succession remains unchanged, though the NIS acknowledges the existence of other offspring whose identities are unknown.
The South Korean NIS reports significant casualties among North Korean troops in Ukraine, raising concerns over conscription and military operations. The involvement of North Korean forces appears to lack substantial impact on the battlefield dynamics, alongside escalating anxiety within North Korean society regarding recruitment. Furthermore, the potential for nuclear testing remains a pressing issue, with uncertainty over leadership succession persisting.
Original Source: asianews.network
