South Korea’s spy agency said Friday a wounded North Korean soldier who was captured while fighting for Russia against Ukrainian forces has since died from his injuries, the Yonhap news agency reported.

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.

Ukrainian forces have captured a North Korean soldier amid ongoing battles in the Russia-Ukraine war. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed the incident on Friday, marking the first time a North Korean soldier has been seized during the conflict.