Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk.
Zelenskyy revealed this after Ukraine launched renewed offensives in Kursk to defend territories gained during an August operation. This marked the first occupation of Russian land by Ukrainian forces since World War II.
Moscow’s counteroffensive has inflicted heavy casualties on Ukraine, killing and wounding thousands, while retaking over 40% of the 984 square kilometers captured by Kyiv.
“Our troops captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk. Despite their injuries, they survived and were transferred to Kyiv for interrogation,” Zelenskyy posted on X. He included photos showing the soldiers lying on cots in a barred room, with one bandaged around his jaw and the other on his hands and wrists.
Concealment efforts and prisoner details
Zelenskyy accused Russian and North Korean forces of attempting to hide the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk. He alleged they killed wounded comrades on the battlefield to prevent their capture and interrogation by Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) provided further details on the detainees, revealing one lacked identification, while the other carried a Russian military ID from a Tuva resident.
“The captured soldiers do not speak Ukrainian, English, or Russian. Communication relies on Korean translators with support from South Korean intelligence,” the SBU said.
One prisoner claimed he had been sent to Russia for training, unaware of being deployed to fight in Ukraine. The SBU confirmed both men received medical treatment in line with the Geneva Conventions.
Heavy losses for North Korean troops
A senior Ukrainian military official recently estimated that 200 North Korean soldiers fighting with Russian forces in Kursk had been killed or injured.
This estimate is the first significant figure on North Korean casualties since Ukraine disclosed Pyongyang’s deployment of 10,000 to 12,000 troops to support Russia.
Last month, the White House and Pentagon confirmed North Korean forces were deployed on the front lines, mainly as infantry. These troops have fought alongside Russian units and operated independently in Kursk.
North Korea’s involvement highlights its growing role in supporting Russia’s nearly three-year-long war against Ukraine.
