Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Friday that several North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region died from injuries sustained on the battlefield. Zelensky addressed the issue at a press conference, explaining that while Ukrainian forces successfully captured the soldiers of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), they were severely wounded and could not be resuscitated.
“Today there were reports about several soldiers from North Korea,” Zelensky said. “Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner, but they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated.” He also noted that the Russian forces intentionally send these soldiers on assaults with minimal protection, making it difficult for Ukraine to capture them.
This report marks the first instance of KPA soldiers being taken prisoner since North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, which is believed to include the deployment of about 11,000 KPA soldiers to assist Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has confirmed the capture of at least one North Korean soldier but has not released further details or images of the individual.
North Korea’s participation in the war has been shrouded in secrecy, with no official statements from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un or Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, satellite images and intelligence reports have confirmed the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, and their role has largely been in support positions, such as guards and patrolmen. Recent reports, however, indicate an increase in their involvement in frontline combat, with approximately 1,000 KPA soldiers reportedly wounded or killed in the past week. Zelensky claims that North Korea has suffered around 3,000 casualties since entering the region.
The entry of North Korean forces into the conflict has led to conflicting reports and speculation, particularly regarding their roles and the number of casualties sustained. International observers are closely monitoring further developments regarding North Korea’s involvement in the war.
