Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first confirmed capture of North Korean military personnel since their deployment in support of Russia’s operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks as he attends a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium, on December 19. Johanna Geron/Reuters
The wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment in Kyiv and are being interrogated with assistance from Korean translators through South Korean intelligence services.
According to Zelensky, they have provided “indisputable evidence” of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.
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The capture was particularly challenging due to the reported practice of Russian and North Korean forces executing wounded comrades to prevent capture and conceal their presence on the battlefield.
International reaction has been swift, with South Korea expressing concern over North Korean military involvement in Ukraine, citing threats to regional stability. U.S. officials have stated that North Korean soldiers engaging in combat against Ukraine are considered legitimate military targets.
Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially responded to the captures.
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