North Korea’s elite troops have faced severe losses in Ukraine, with South Korean intelligence reporting more than 1,100 killed or injured in recent weeks and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy estimating the toll at more than 3,

For years, North Korea’s military has helped its leader, Kim Jong-un, keep control of his people and provide a buffer against the country’s sworn enemy, South Korea. With 1.3 million members, the North’s army is among the world’s largest conventional armed forces.

In Trump-led armistice talks, the Hermit Kingdom may want a seat at the table.