Ukraine captures two North Korean soldiers in Kursk, Zelenskiy says

Ukraine has apprehended two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday. This marks the first instance of Ukraine reporting the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since their involvement in the conflict began last autumn.

According to Kyiv and its Western allies, North Korean regular forces joined the war on Russia‘s side in October, with initial estimates suggesting their numbers exceeded 10,000.

In a statement on X, Zelenskiy indicated that the soldiers have been transported to Kyiv and are currently in communication with the Security Service of Ukraine, the nation’s domestic intelligence agency. He noted, “As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance,” and mentioned that journalists would be allowed to interview them.

Kyiv claims that North Korean troops are engaged in combat in the Kursk region, where Ukraine initiated an incursion in August, asserting control over several hundred square kilometers of territory in that area.

Additionally, it has been reported by Kyiv and its Western allies that Pyongyang is supplying Russia with significant amounts of artillery shells. Previously, Ukraine had stated that it captured North Korean soldiers during combat, but those individuals were severely injured and subsequently died shortly thereafter.