Ukraine Captures Injured North Korean Soldiers Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that two injured North Korean soldiers were captured during operations in Russia. Receiving medical assistance, the soldiers are under the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine, highlighting the complex dynamics involving North Korean personnel in the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Saturday that Ukrainian forces have successfully captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The President noted that the men are currently receiving "necessary medical assistance" and are being held by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kyiv. Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Ukrainian paratroopers and soldiers from the Special Operations Forces for their role in the capture, emphasizing that the operation was "not an easy task." He claimed that Russian and North Korean soldiers typically execute injured North Koreans to eliminate any proof of their country's involvement in the conflict against Ukraine.

In a detailed message shared on social media platforms Telegram and X, Zelensky mentioned that the captured soldiers are currently participating in discussions with SBU investigators. He also ordered the Security Service to facilitate journalist access to the soldiers, stressing the need for transparency in the situation. Alongside his statement, he posted photographs of the wounded men, although he did not provide direct evidence connecting them to North Korea. Among the images was a Russian military ID belonging to a 26-year-old man from the Tyva region, which borders Mongolia.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Russia is obscuring the presence of North Korean fighters by issuing them counterfeit identities. In December, it was reported by South Korea’s intelligence agency that a North Korean soldier, who was captured while aiding in Russia's conflict against Ukraine, died in Ukrainian custody. Moreover, the White House remarked that North Korean forces are currently facing significant casualties in the ongoing war, underscoring the evolving dynamics of this unprecedented international conflict.