South Korea has confirmed Ukraine’s capture of two North Korean soldiers, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the country’s security forces were interrogating two fighters apprehended in Russia’s Kursk region, reports RFE.
Details of the Confirmation
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea revealed on Sunday that it had verified the capture in collaboration with Ukrainian intelligence.
“Through real-time cooperation with Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the NIS confirmed that two North Korean soldiers were captured on January 9 during battles in Russia’s Kursk region,” said Seoul in an official statement.
Zelensky’s Announcement
On Saturday, Zelensky shared the news via Telegram, posting photographs of the detainees and claiming they were North Korean soldiers. While no direct evidence was initially provided to support this assertion, South Korea’s confirmation lends credibility to the claim.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) also released a video showing the two men receiving medical care. One soldier had his hands bandaged, while the other had his jaw wrapped in gauze.
Interrogation Insights
According to the SBU, the soldiers are communicating through translators provided by the NIS.
- One of the detainees, born in 2005, claimed he was misled into believing he was being sent for training rather than combat.
- The second soldier, born in 1999 and identified as a sniper, stated he was coerced into providing written answers due to his injuries.
Both revealed they had undergone military training in Russia before being deployed to the front lines in November 2024.
Harsh Conditions and Mistreatment
The captured soldiers recounted severe conditions on the battlefield. One soldier stated he went four to five days without food or water before being captured by Ukrainian forces.
The Kursk Offensive and North Korea’s Role
The capture follows Ukraine’s intensified military actions in the Kursk region. In August 2024, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive, reclaiming significant portions of the region in the largest incursion into Russian territory since World War II.
In response, North Korea sent approximately 11,000 troops to support Russian forces in Kursk. However, the North Korean contingent has faced substantial casualties.
- Zelensky revealed in December 2024 that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or injured during the fighting, though no specific evidence was presented.
- U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also reported heavy North Korean losses, estimating around 1,000 casualties in a single week.
Global Implications
The presence of North Korean troops in Russia highlights the deepening alliances between Pyongyang and Moscow amid the ongoing conflict. The confirmation of North Korean soldiers being captured adds a new dimension to the geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways:
- South Korea confirms Ukraine’s capture of two North Korean soldiers.
- The soldiers claim they were deceived about their deployment and endured harsh battlefield conditions.
- North Korea’s military presence in Kursk underscores its strategic support for Russia in the conflict.
