Russia withdraws North Korean troops in Kursk after losses, Seoul says

A screengrab released by Ukraine purporting to show North Korean soldiers receiving supplies at a Russian training base. South Korea’s intelligence agency says Russia has likely withdrawn North Korean troops from the frontline after suffering heavy losses. Photograph: StratcomCentre

North Korean troops sent to fight alongside Russia in its war against Ukraine have not been seen in battle for several weeks, raising speculation that they have been withdrawn after suffering heavy losses, according to South Korea’s spy agency.

The National Intelligence Service in Seoul this week confirmed media reports that North Korean troops had been pulled from the frontline around the middle of January.