Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmakers citing information from the country’s intelligence agency. The total number of North Korean troops deployed to fight alongside Russia is reported to be 15,000.
The lawmakers disclosed that, in addition to the deaths, approximately 4,700 North Korean troops have been either killed or injured during their involvement in the conflict. Despite these losses, the intelligence report indicates that North Korea’s military has shown signs of improved combat performance, particularly after six months of fighting, with advancements in using modern warfare technology such as drones.
In exchange for providing troops and weapons to Russia, North Korea appears to have received technical support, including spy satellite technology, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles, according to the South Korean intelligence assessments.
“After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved as it becomes accustomed to using new weapons such as drones,” said Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the South Korean parliamentary intelligence committee, following a briefing by the National Intelligence Service.
This week, Pyongyang confirmed for the first time that it had deployed troops to assist Russia in the war, a decision reportedly made under the direct orders of leader Kim Jong Un. The North Korean forces have played a pivotal role in reclaiming Russian territory that was previously occupied by Ukrainian forces, notably in the western Kursk region.
In a particularly grim revelation, Lee added that the bodies of fallen North Korean soldiers were reportedly cremated in Kursk before being returned to North Korea. Beyond military support, North Korea is also believed to have sent around 15,000 workers to Russia, generating hard currency income for the regime. However, U.N. sanctions prohibit the use of North Korean labor in third-party countries.
The growing military and economic collaboration between North Korea and Russia highlights their increasingly close ties, as both nations remain politically and economically isolated on the global stage.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare public visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang alongside his daughter on Friday, joining in celebrations for Victory Day and reaffirming his commitment to deepening the strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia.
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North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has praised advances in tank production as part of his drive to overhaul the country’s conventional and strategic forces.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
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Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
President Donald Trump is set to begin his Middle East tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip aims to boost trade and investment, with a focus on energy, defense, and technology deals, including a $1 trillion commitment from Saudi Arabia.
From May 13–24, the 78th Cannes Film Festival brings together veteran auteurs like Wes Anderson and breakout talents such as Ari Aster, alongside Hollywood heavyweights—from Tom Cruise to Emma Stone—on a red carpet primed for glamour and cinematic competition.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
Eurovision hopefuls hit the turquoise carpet in Basel as Switzerland hosts the song contest for the first time since 1989—setting the stage for a week of music, unity, and glitter.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
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