"Russian and North Korean soldiers have retaken about two-thirds of the land lost in the summer - but at a horrendous cost, with at least 4,000 troops killed in combat," the daily said.
"As the battles dragged on, the Russians brought in an estimated 12,000 North Koreans to join the fight. North Korea was already supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells Moscow desperately needed, as well as artillery and ballistic missiles," it explained, adding that North Korean soldiers have gained more combat experience.
The NYT also speculated that the severing of supply lines would deal a severe blow to Ukraine, weakening Ukraine's "bargaining chip in future negotiations" to bring an end to the war with Russia.
"If Ukrainian forces were cut off or forced to retreat, it would be a significant setback for Kyiv," it said.
It is estimated that more than 4,000 North Korean troops in Russia have been killed or injured, after North Korea reportedly sent over 11,000 soldiers to Russia since late last year.
But neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has confirmed or denied their presence.
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