Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that "several" wounded North Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukrainian forces, as he accused Russia of throwing them into battle with "minimal protection".

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that several “seriously wounded” North Korean soldiers died from their injuries after being captured by Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine's military intelligence says that North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in the Kursk region and are facing logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this month that Russia was trying to "conceal losses" of North Korean troops fighting against Ukraine.

North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast continue to suffer significant losses, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported on Dec. 26.

Pyongyang has sent an estimated 11,000 troops to support the Russian armed forces in their war against Ukraine. North Koreans are reportedly being deployed in the Kursk region, with around 1,000 soldiers killed or wounded this past week alone.

According to South Korean officials, around 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia so far, with indications of preparations for further troop and military equipment deployment. Thousands of North Korean soldiers have already died serving Russia in the Ukraine War.