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Ukraine Captures Two North Korean Soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Region, Zelenskiy Confirms

Ukraine has announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, marking the first instance of North Korean troops being taken alive since their reported entry into the conflict last autumn. The revelation came from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday, who noted that the soldiers are now in Kyiv under the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).


North Korean regular troops reportedly joined the war on Russia's side in October, with Kyiv and its Western allies initially estimating their presence at 10,000 or more. In a post on X, Zelenskiy stated, “These two North Korean soldiers, like all prisoners of war, are receiving the necessary medical assistance.” He also indicated that journalists would be permitted to speak with them.

Conflict in Kursk and Allegations of North Korean Involvement

Kyiv asserts that North Korean forces are actively engaged in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August and maintains control over several hundred square kilometers of territory. Additionally, North Korea is accused of supplying Russia with vast quantities of artillery shells.

Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops in the region, and there has been no immediate response from Pyongyang or Russian authorities regarding the capture of the soldiers.

While Ukraine previously reported capturing North Korean soldiers in combat, they succumbed to injuries shortly afterward, making this the first instance of surviving prisoners.

Details of the Special Operation

President Zelenskiy later elaborated that the capture was executed by Ukrainian special forces in collaboration with paratroopers. The operation was partially documented, with a drone video showing personnel in ghillie suits navigating a forested area.

Footage released by the SBU showed the captured soldiers receiving medical care. One had a bandaged jaw, reportedly due to a facial injury, while the other was seen drinking through a straw. A doctor featured in the video confirmed that one soldier had a facial wound requiring dental treatment, while the other suffered from an open wound and a lower leg fracture.

Interrogation and Legal Investigation

The soldiers, aged 18 and 24, have been in North Korea’s military since 2021 and 2016, respectively. Due to language barriers, their questioning is being conducted in Korean with assistance from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The SBU reported that one of the soldiers was carrying a Russian military document bearing the name of another individual registered in Russia, while the other had no identification documents.

The agency stated that the prisoners are being held in compliance with international law. A criminal investigation is underway to determine whether the men violated Ukrainian laws against planning or conducting a war.

Broader Implications

This development adds another layer to the complex geopolitics of the ongoing conflict. It underscores the extent of North Korea’s involvement, a claim that has been repeatedly highlighted by Kyiv and its allies, though consistently dismissed by Moscow and Pyongyang. As investigations continue, the capture of these soldiers could yield critical insights into North Korea’s role and operations in the conflict.

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