North Korea to punish its own citizens after soldiers massacred in Russia

North Koreans are being threatened with ten years in a labour camp, or even the death penalty, if they reveal the extent of the nation’s involvement of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

For months North Korean soldiers have been sent to fight alongside Russia. However Radio Free Asia reports that family members could be hit with incredibly tough penalties for spreading the news, risking contravening the country ‘anti-state propaganda’ rules.

Earlier this month The Guardian reported that North Korean troops in Kursk had been withdrawn after suffering heavy losses. In late 2024 North Korea sent around 11,000 troops to fight alongside Russia as part of a mutual defence pact with President Vladimir Putin.

In a bid to keep the North Korean public shielded from the bleak news, residents at an automotive company were reportedly told that spreading ‘rumours’ about the country’s involvement with Russia would be seen as a breach of strict ‘anti-state propaganda’ rules.

Reality hidden from North Korean soldiers

Despite significant casualties, the North Korean leadership refuses to acknowledge the extent of military involvement in Russia. Newsweek reports that family members of the killed soldiers were told that their loved ones died during “sacred combat training in honor of the motherland,” and the deployment to Russia was kept hidden.

The role of North Koreans in the conflict remains shrouded in mystery, particularly for those involved. Two soldiers captured last month claimed that they had been told by commanders that they were taking part in a ‘training exercise’. In reality, the losses have been shocking.

“The casualty rates were significant,” explained Seth Jones of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “By most accounts we were able to take a look at somewhere between a third and probably on the real high end, maybe 50% casualties among the North Korean forces.

He continued: “Again, [it’s] hard to know exactly what reality is … with as many as 1,000 killed. Those are pretty staggering casualties for a force of 11,000 - 12,000.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.