A South Korean lawmaker has stated that around 1,500 North Korean soldiers have been additionally deployed to the western part of Russia.



The representative of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, Yu Yong-weon, made the information public on Wednesday. He cited his meeting with the head of the Ukrainian defense intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, and other officials in Ukraine in late February.



North Korea has reportedly sent about 11,000 troops to Russia so far to assist the fighting in the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian military has been engaging in cross-border attacks.



The lawmaker said the additional soldiers have been reportedly dispatched on standby near Kursk since last month.



He also said about 3,500 North Koreans are undergoing training at five locations in Russia's Far East.



The lawmaker said Ukraine's intelligence reported that around 400 North Koreans have been killed and about 3,600 wounded, adding that 300 of them have been treated and sent back to the front line.



North Korean troops fighting for Russia were allegedly withdrawn temporarily in January. But South Korea's intelligence agency said the North has again dispatched soldiers to the battlefield from early February.