Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean troops alive since their reported involvement in the war last October, Reuter reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the capture and stated the soldiers were transported to Kyiv, where they are receiving medical care. One soldier had a facial injury, while the other had a leg fracture. The men, aged 19 and 25, are being interrogated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) with assistance from South Korea’s intelligence agency due to language barriers. Ukraine previously reported capturing North Korean soldiers, but they were severely wounded and later succumbed to their injuries.
North Korean reportedly began supporting Russia in October, with initial estimates suggesting over 10,000 personnel deployed. North Korean troops have reportedly been fighting alongside Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August. Ukraine has also accused Pyongyang of supplying artillery shells to Russia.
