Separately, the New York Times also reported that the North Koreans had been pulled off the front lines. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un have in recent months deepened bilateral ties, signing a security and defence treaty.

Coupled with disorder in the Russian ranks, and Putin’s “meat-grinder” tactics, North Korean troops have endured a staggering number of casualties and even ended up fending for themselves in some scenarios, according to Ukrainian officials.

Captured North Korean soldiers have lifted the curtain ever so slightly on the secretive Kim regime’s decision to join Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The officials, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, said that out of the estimated 11,000 troops sent from North Korea, known as DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), 4,000 were battle casualties.

After suffering massive battlefield losses, North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces have reportedly vanished from the front lines.

Ukrainian special unit operators showcase trophies captured from North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. What’s surprising is the presence of the AK-12 rifle and the 1PN139-1 thermal sight. We present the performance of this compelling combination.