Zelensky Announces Capture of Two Injured North Korean Soldiers
Click to start listening
Seoul, Jan 12 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has successfully captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's western Kursk region, with investigations currently underway.
Zelensky shared this intelligence via his X account on Saturday, noting that the Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with paratroopers, apprehended the North Korean soldiers in the border area of Russia, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
He stated, "Two soldiers, despite their injuries, have survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now in communication with the Security Service of Ukraine," while also posting images of the injured men.
Zelensky emphasized that capturing them alive was “not an easy task” due to the fact that Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel typically execute their wounded to eliminate any evidence of Pyongyang's involvement in the conflict against Ukraine.
He noted, "As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance,” adding that the Ukrainian security service would provide journalists access to the prisoners.
In late December, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine had captured an injured North Korean soldier, who unfortunately later succumbed to his injuries.
Additionally, last month, North Korean troops sent to Russia for combat against Ukraine have set up more observation posts to monitor Ukrainian drones, as stated by Ukraine's military intelligence service, amid reports indicating heavy combat losses among North Korean forces.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) disclosed this information on its website following the United States' confirmation of “significant” troop losses for North Korea in conjunction with Russian forces against Ukraine.
The DIU mentioned, "After facing severe losses, DPRK units began establishing additional observation posts to detect drones belonging to the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine," referring to North Korea by the acronym of its official name — the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Moreover, the DIU reported that Moscow continues to deploy North Korean troops in the western front-line region of Kursk.
They noted, "The ongoing accumulation of assault groups by DPRK army personnel in the Kursk region suggests that Moscow is determined to maintain the momentum of its offensive operations," adding that North Korean troops utilize red tape for identification at the front, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
