SEOUL -- A former sergeant in the North Korean military says that few of Pyongyang's soldiers have been captured fighting against Ukraine because they're told their families will be executed if they are caught alive.

Kyrylo Budanov told reporters on Sunday that Pyongyang is "covering for practically 50% of Russia's need" for ammo.

A former North Korean military sergeant has revealed that Pyongyang's soldiers deployed to Russia to fight in Ukraine fear capture more than death, as they are told their families will be executed if they are taken alive.

Hundreds of North Korean troops were likely transported by sea to Russia to fight in its war against Ukraine, satellite images have revealed, according to a new analysis from a US-based think tank shared exclusively with CNN.

Some 3,500 North Korean soldiers undergoing field adaptation training in 5 locations in Russia's Far East,' with a possibility of a 3rd deployment, says Yu Yong-weon, citing Ukrainian intelligence - A

South Korea’s spy agency said Wednesday that North Korea appears to have sent additional troops to Russia, after its soldiers deployed on the Russian-Ukraine fronts suffered heavy casualties.

North Korea recently sent some 3,500 additional soldiers to Russia's Far East for field training, a South Korean lawmaker said Wednesday, with the possibility of soon being dispatched to the front lines.

South Korea relies on security guarantees from the US to deter North Korean aggression, providing sites that host about 28,500 American troops. Earlier in March, a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier docked at a South Korean port, prompting the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to denounce the deployment of strategic assets in the region.

North Korea appears to have sent more troops to Russia despite its soldiers suffering heavy casualties fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, South Korea’s main spy agency said Thursday. Seoul’s

North Korea is no exception. Reports indicate that Kim Jong-un's soldiers, sent to fight alongside Russia, are learning how to use drones and improve battlefield tactics. This could have serious consequences for the region.