Approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers alleged casualties from a military operation in Russia, according to South Korea's intelligence agency reports

In a significant development, North Korea has confirmed its deployment of troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This was revealed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) in April.

According to the NIS, around 2,000 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have been killed in Russia. Initially, the NIS had estimated around 600 North Korean war dead, but later revised the figure.

The deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia was not a secret, as Kim Jong Un himself admitted to the deployment in April. The exact number of troops sent is unclear, but South Korean and Western intelligence agencies believe North Korea sent over 10,000 soldiers, primarily to the Kursk region.

Russia and North Korea signed a military deal last year, which includes a mutual defense clause. This deal may have paved the way for North Korea's military involvement in Russia's conflict.

Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced earlier this year that North Korea would send builders and deminers to the Kursk region. However, there are no confirmed reports that any of the announced 6,000 North Korean soldiers and engineers have already arrived in Russia.

The deal between Russia and North Korea was not previously mentioned in the provided bullet points.

During a rare visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea, a deal was signed. The details of this deal remain unknown, but it is believed to be related to the military cooperation between the two countries.

State media has run images of an emotional Kim Jong Un embracing a returned soldier. The returned soldier appeared overwhelmed and buried his face in Kim Jong Un's chest. Kim Jong Un also offered condolences for the "unbearable pain" of the families of the fallen soldiers, placing medals and flowers beside images of the dead soldier to pay his respects.

Recently, Kim Jong Un has met with the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine. This meeting further solidifies the North Korean leader's commitment to supporting Russia in its conflict.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the involvement of North Korea in Russia's military operations raises concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict and the humanitarian impact on the soldiers and civilians involved.