Ukrainian forces have captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), one soldier was apprehended by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) while the other was arrested by the Air Assault Forces.
The Ukrainian paratroopers said they apprehended the soldier during an assault on the positions of Ukraine’s Polissia Brigade. SSO did not disclose details regarding its operation that led to the arrest of the other North Korean soldier.
The process of capture of a North Korean soldier by Ukrainian Tactical Group No. 84 of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces pic.twitter.com/Syaos4cx07
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) January 12, 2025
One of the prisoners was found with a Russian military ID under a different name, while the other had no documents. Ukrainian officials report that the soldiers were equipped with Russian-made military gear and uniforms.
The soldiers are now in the custody of the SBU in Kyiv. Both were provided medical care for injuries, including a leg fracture and facial wounds.
In a social media post, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to return the soldiers to North Korea if Pyongyang helps facilitate an exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. Zelensky also indicated alternative options could be considered for soldiers unwilling to return to North Korea.
Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine.
This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North… pic.twitter.com/5J0hqbarP6
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 11, 2025
Ukraine, the U.S., and South Korea have alleged that North Korea has sent 10,000–12,000 troops to support Russia in its war effort, though Moscow has denied this claim.
