The losses represent over a third of the approximately 11,000 North Korean troops deployed in Kursk Oblast. The high casualty rate has severely degraded the ability of North Korean forces to conduct offensive operations in support of Russia's attempts to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast.

Britain's defense ministry said about 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed and around 3,000 more wounded fighting against Ukraine.

North Korea is likely preparing to send additional troops to Russia after suffering heavy losses in battles against Ukrainian forces, South Korea's military said Friday.