North Korean troops fighting against Ukrainian soldiers have reportedly been forced to withdraw and are operating "more cautiously" after suffering huge losses.

       Ukrainian military boss Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov has said that roughly 4,000 North Korean forces have been killed or seriously wounded in Kursk Oblast, a region of western Russia.

       Budanov also noted that Kim Jong Un's troops are embedded in Russian units and conduct joint operations, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

       Experts added that the commander of a Ukrainian platoon operating in Kursk Oblast stated on February 20 that North Korean forces have "changed their tactics in the area".

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       This includes reducing the size of infantry assault groups from 50 individuals to 10 to 15 personnel.

       In addition, soldiers are moving "more cautiously."

       The ISW added: "The commander noted that North Korean assault groups are still larger than Russian assault groups.

       "South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated in November 2024 that North Korean forces had been training alongside Russian naval infantry and airborne (VDV) units - traditionally more elite forces in the Russian military.

       "Budanov noted that there are more artillery and missile units in Kursk Oblast due to the presence of North Korean troops, but that the GUR has not observed additional North Korean deployments to Russia."

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       It comes as North Korean forces reportedly recently withdrew from active combat operations in the area after suffering "heavy casualties".

       These were "largely due to Ukrainian drone strikes".

       Their adjustment of tactics to counter Ukrainian drone strikes, the ISW notes, indicates that North Korean troops "may be learning lessons and internalizing valuable combat experience".

       The conflict is also raging on in Ukraine as attention has turned to talks between the US and Russia aiming to reach a settlement.

       Monday will mark the third year since Putin invaded the neighbouring state. The GUR has reported that the Kremlin is preparing to declare "victory" over Ukraine and "possibly over NATO" to mark the date.