Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that two North Korean soldiers, who had been fighting with Russian troops in Kursk, were captured by Ukrainian forces. This marks a significant development in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to maintain control over newly acquired territories and resist Russian advances.
Fresh Attacks in Kursk and Historic Ukrainian Occupation
Zelenskyy shared this news following Ukraine’s new offensive in Kursk, aiming to secure land gained during a successful August attack. This event is historic, marking the first occupation of Russian territory by Ukrainian forces since World War II. This achievement underscores Ukraine’s ability to push back against Russian forces despite challenges.
Moscow’s counteroffensive, however, has been successful in recapturing over 40% of the 984 square kilometers previously seized by Ukrainian forces. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives or sustained injuries in these intense battles.
Captured Soldiers and Concealment Efforts
Zelenskyy’s announcement included images of the captured North Korean soldiers, who were seen resting on cots. One soldier showed visible injuries to his jaw, while the other had wounds to his hands and wrists. Despite their injuries, both soldiers survived and were transported to Kyiv for further interrogation.
According to Zelenskyy, Russian and North Korean forces had worked to conceal the presence of North Korean soldiers in Kursk. Reports suggest that they even resorted to killing wounded soldiers to prevent them from being captured. Limited details were shared about the prisoners: one soldier lacked identification, and the other carried a Russian military ID from Tuva, a region near Mongolia.
Prisoner Communication and Medical Care
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) provided more information about the prisoners. Both soldiers do not speak Ukrainian, Russian, or English. Communication has been facilitated with the help of Korean translators and South Korean intelligence. One of the captured soldiers revealed that he had been sent to Russia for training but was unaware of his deployment to Ukraine.
As required by the Geneva Conventions, both prisoners have received medical care while in Ukrainian custody.
North Korean Casualties in Kursk
A senior Ukrainian military official recently estimated that around 200 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk. This marks the first major estimate of North Korean casualties in the ongoing war. North Korea had reportedly deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces.
Both the White House and Pentagon confirmed last month that North Korean troops have been directly involved in the conflict, mainly in infantry roles, and have fought alongside Russian units in Kursk and independently.
Implications of North Korea’s Involvement
North Korea’s involvement in the conflict highlights the growing support Russia has received from countries like North Korea. This increasing alliance signals the broader global implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine, drawing further attention to the international dynamics at play.