2 North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine: spy agency

2 North Korean Soldiers Captured By Ukraine: Spy Agency

A captured North Korean soldier is seen in this photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X, Saturday (local time). Zelenskyy said two soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region and are being interrogated in Kyiv. Yonhap

A captured North Korean soldier is seen on this picture posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s X, Saturday (native time). Zelenskyy mentioned two troopers have been captured in Russia’s Kursk area and are being interrogated in Kyiv. Yonhap

Troops unaware they have been deployed for Russia-Ukraine conflict
By Kim Hyun-bin

Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean troopers on a battlefield in Russia’s western Kursk area, South Korea’s Nationwide Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed on Sunday.

The troopers testified there have been “appreciable losses” of North Korean troops, based on the NIS.

The NIS’ affirmation got here hours after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Saturday (native time) in a submit on Telegram that its forces captured two troopers alive within the border area, and they’re being investigated by the Safety Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kyiv.

It’s the first time that North Korean troops have been captured throughout fight operations and interrogated. About two weeks in the past, one other North Korean soldier was captured however died a day later as a consequence of critical accidents.

In keeping with the NIS, the Ukrainian navy captured them on Thursday. Each sustained accidents that weren’t life-threatening.

Considered one of them testified that he arrived in Russia in November, the place they acquired one week of navy coaching earlier than being deployed to the frontline. He mentioned he had thought he got here to Russia for coaching solely, studying solely after his arrival that he had been dispatched to the conflict.

He additional mentioned troops suffered main losses throughout battles, including he had been with out meals and water for 4 to 5 days earlier than being captured, based on the NIS.

The spy company mentioned it’s cooperating intently with the SBU and can proceed sharing intelligence. It additionally implied its personal involvement in interrogating the troopers, notably by offering translation help, as reported by Ukraine media and different international information companies which mentioned a South Korean working for the NIS helps with translation.

A captured North Korean soldier is seen in this photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X, Saturday (local time). Zelenskyy said two soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region and are being interrogated in Kyiv. Yonhap

A captured North Korean soldier is seen on this picture posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s X, Saturday (native time). Zelenskyy mentioned two troopers have been captured in Russia’s Kursk area and are being interrogated in Kyiv. Yonhap

Ukraine ready to hand over captured NK soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian captives: Zelenskyy

In keeping with the media, the 2 have been born in 2005 and 1999, respectively.

The youthful soldier, a rifleman, carried a cast Russian navy ID card figuring out him as a 26-year-old from Siberia’s Tuva Republic. He instructed investigators he had acquired the ID throughout joint coaching with Russian forces in late 2024.

The older soldier, who recognized himself as a sniper, is unable to talk as a consequence of a jaw damage and has been speaking with investigators through writing.

Medical workers confirmed that each are receiving therapy for his or her accidents.

Zelenskyy mentioned it has been tough to seize North Koreans alive, as a result of “Russians and different North Korean troopers end off their wounded” to cover “proof of North Korea’s involvement within the conflict.”

Ukrainian International Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised that the troopers are common members of North Korea’s armed forces, not mercenaries.

It’s anticipated the captured troopers may present significant intelligence on the extent of North Korea’s navy assist for Russia.

The last word destiny of the captured troopers stays unsure. If Russia claims them as a part of its armed forces, they may very well be labeled as prisoners of conflict (POW) underneath the Geneva Conventions and repatriated. Nevertheless, if each Moscow and Pyongyang deny their affiliation, they may very well be deemed illegal combatants, complicating their standing underneath worldwide legislation.

Some have speculated that the troopers would possibly search asylum in South Korea, although such an final result would face important diplomatic and logistical challenges. Zelenskyy beforehand urged that North Korean POWs may very well be exchanged for Ukrainian troopers held by Russia.

North Korea reportedly started deploying troops to Russia’s Kursk area in late 2024, with an estimated 11,000 personnel concerned.

 

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