In brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the two captured soldiers were treated for their wounds and are now undergoing interrogation in Kyiv, as fierce battles continue in the area.
The Ukrainian armed forces reported on Saturday the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia, marking the first instance of Pyongyang's troops being taken alive since their deployment to support Moscow's military campaign. President Zelensky disclosed that the captured soldiers, both injured, were apprehended in the Kursk region, a site of intense fighting where Ukrainian forces have been endeavoring to maintain territory gained during a surprise assault last summer. Zelensky shared on social media the news of their capture, assuring that they received medical treatment in accord with the Geneva Conventions. Following their capture, the soldiers were brought to Kyiv for interrogation. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) indicated that one of the soldiers was taken on Thursday, with more details about the capture location and time for the second soldier not disclosed. This marks a notable escalation in the conflict, highlighting the involvement of North Korean forces in support of Russian operations. Interrogations are being conducted with the aid of Korean translators, in collaboration with South Korea’s intelligence agency. The embassy of South Korea in Kyiv has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this situation. Both North Korea and Russia have not issued any immediate comments about the incident. Photographic evidence shared by Ukraine’s intelligence service as well as Zelensky displayed the captured soldiers, revealing one with facial bandages and another with injuries to their hands. Under the Geneva Conventions, there are stipulations against turning prisoners of war into “public curiosities”, which complicates the presentation of captured soldiers. Fierce skirmishes are ongoing in the Kursk area, where Russian forces are attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops and regain control over lost territory. Reports indicate that North Korean soldiers, numbering over 11,000, have helped Russian troops reclaim approximately fifty percent of the area seized last year. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces retain control over upwards of 150 square miles inside Russia. The White House recently stated that North Korean troops have faced significant losses, with over 1,000 casualties reported within a week, prompting some to take their own lives rather than surrender.
