Pentagon predicts greater losses for North Korean military in Russia's war against Ukraine

The Pentagon has predicted an increase in casualties among North Korean military personnel who continue to participate in fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

Journalists asked for a comment on South Korean intelligence reports about the death of at least 100 North Korean soldiers in battles against Ukraine's defence forces.

In response, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder stated during a briefing that the US believes that, at this stage, the number of casualties could reach "several hundred" both killed and wounded.

"We continue to observe and assess, I would say at this stage it's our assessment that several hundred DPRK forces have been or several hundred casualties, which would range from killed in action to wounded," he said.

Ryder also mentioned that an increase in casualties amongst North Koreans can be expected given the ongoing involvement of these soldiers alongside Russian forces in combat against Ukrainian defenders.

Following massive assaults on Saturday 15 December, Ukrainian forces posted images and videos of Russian and North Korean soldiers killed in Kursk Oblast.

UK Defence Intelligence reported significant losses among North Korean forces involved in hostilities in Russia's Kursk Oblast, citing poor coordination and interoperability issues with Russian troops.