SEOUL — North Korean troop casualties in Ukraine have likely surpassed 3,000, with approximately 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday, citing the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
According to the NIS briefing, North Korean authorities have allegedly instructed their soldiers to avoid capture by committing suicide, including by blowing themselves up, the lawmaker told reporters.
Despite reports of captured North Korean troops, there has been no indication that they have expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing the intelligence service.
South Korea would consider cooperating with Ukraine if a formal request were made regarding the handling of North Korean prisoners of war, according to Yonhap.
The involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine has drawn international scrutiny, as Pyongyang faces allegations of supporting Moscow’s military efforts, including by supplying weapons and other military assistance.
