In a shocking development underscoring North Korea’s deepening role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, a North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces has succumbed to his wounds, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed on Friday. The soldier was one of thousands reportedly deployed by Pyongyang to bolster Moscow’s military efforts.
The Cost of Pyongyang’s Alliance With Moscow
The captured soldier, whose exact location of capture remains undisclosed, was seized alive on Thursday during fierce fighting on the front lines. However, his condition quickly deteriorated, and he passed away shortly after, according to Seoul’s intelligence agency.
“It has been confirmed through an allied intelligence agency that the North Korean soldier captured alive on December 26th has just passed away due to worsening wounds,” the NIS stated.
The incident highlights the brutal conditions North Korean troops face as they are utilized as “expendable frontline assault units,” according to South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, who recently received an intelligence briefing. Ukraine has reported staggering casualty figures, claiming nearly 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded since Pyongyang began deploying forces to aid Russia.
North Korea’s Military Gamble
South Korean intelligence estimates suggest that the high casualty rate among North Korean soldiers stems from their lack of preparation for modern warfare, including challenges posed by drone technology and unfamiliar terrain. Despite these losses, Pyongyang appears undeterred, reportedly preparing for additional deployments of troops and heavy artillery, including 240mm rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery, to assist Russia.
This marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict, with NATO officials warning of a quid pro quo arrangement between Moscow and Pyongyang. NATO chief Mark Rutte recently accused Russia of supporting North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs in exchange for troops and weaponry.
A Growing Alliance
The military partnership between North Korea and Russia has intensified since the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A landmark defense pact signed in June 2024 has further cemented the alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the agreement, describing it as a “breakthrough document” and emphasizing the growing ties between the two nations.
North Korea, for its part, appears to be leveraging the conflict to modernize its conventional warfare capabilities. “Pyongyang is using this as a live battlefield to gain combat experience,” said a South Korean military spokesperson. However, this involvement has drawn international condemnation, with Ukraine’s allies labeling it a “dangerous expansion” of the war.
Seoul Weighs Its Options
The escalation has prompted South Korea to reconsider its long-standing policy against providing weapons to countries engaged in active conflict. In November, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently suspended, hinted at a potential shift, stating that Seoul might supply weapons to Ukraine if the situation demands it.
The conflict has also highlighted geopolitical complexities, with Russia sending New Year’s greetings to North Korea, hailing their strengthened ties. Meanwhile, Seoul continues to monitor the situation closely, raising concerns about Pyongyang’s military ambitions and the broader implications of its involvement in Ukraine.
