How many north korean troops were send to Russia in Ukraine war

 North Korea has significantly increased its military support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the deployment of troops. Here's a summary of the reported numbers and context:

Current and Recent Deployments:

 * Estimated Total: Ukrainian officials have stated that North Korea has sent an estimated total of 14,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces, including 3,000 reinforcements sent to replace losses.

 * Initial Deployments: Reports of North Korean soldiers in Russia first emerged in late 2024. The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported around 1,500 soldiers sent for military training, potentially for deployment in Ukraine. The US Pentagon initially estimated around 10,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia.

 * Combat Operations: North Korea confirmed in April 2025 that it had sent troops to Russia and that its forces had contributed to reclaiming Russian territory in the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces. These troops reportedly served as assault units on the front lines.

 * Casualties: Reports suggest North Korean forces have sustained significant casualties. The UK Ministry of Defense estimated over 6,000 casualties among North Korean forces during fighting, representing about half of the original deployment. Some sources indicate around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in Kursk.

Planned Future Deployments:

 * Significant Reinforcement: New Ukrainian intelligence assessments, corroborated by CNN reporting, indicate that North Korea is preparing to dispatch an additional 30,000 more soldiers in the coming months to join the fight with the Russians. This would nearly triple the total number of North Korean soldiers directly supporting Russia.

 * Deployment Location: There is a high chance these additional North Korean troops will enter Russian-occupied Ukraine to strengthen the Russian contingent, including during large-scale offensive operations.

Context and Implications:

 * Motivation: North Korea's involvement is seen as a strategic partnership. While it aids Russia with manpower shortages and a reluctance to order new mobilizations, North Korea benefits by potentially receiving valuable insights into modern warfare from the battlefield and economic benefits from Russia.

 * Role and Tactics: North Korean troops have reportedly been provided with Russian uniforms and equipment and are undergoing training in infantry tactics, drone operations, artillery tactics, and trench-clearing. Despite being from an "elite" unit, some reports suggest they are poorly trained for modern warfare but rely on Soviet-style tactics and sheer numbers, posing challenges for Ukrainian forces.

 * International Reaction: The deployment of North Korean troops has been condemned by the US and its allies as a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The US has stated that North Korean troops engaged in combat would be considered "legitimate military targets" for Ukrainian forces.

In essence, North Korea has already deployed a significant number of troops to aid Russia in Ukraine, with clear indications of a much larger deployment planned in the near future. This partnership is having a tangible impact on the battlefield and raises concerns about the evolving dynamics of the conflict.