Ukrainian forces have detained two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, located near the Russian border. The soldiers, both injured, were captured by the Ukrainian military on January 11. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the detention, stating that the soldiers are currently being interrogated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Zelensky reported that the soldiers were transported to Kyiv for further questioning, as investigators attempt to uncover the circumstances surrounding their presence in Ukraine. He emphasized that the soldiers were injured and have received medical care in accordance with international standards.
The two detainees, who reportedly do not speak Ukrainian, Russian, or English, are being questioned with the assistance of South Korean translators. One soldier was found without identification documents, while the other possessed a military ID from Russia's Tuva region, which borders Mongolia.
This incident has raised concerns about North Korea's potential involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In December 2023, Ukrainian authorities revealed the detention of another North Korean soldier, and in October 2023, the Pentagon claimed that Russia had deployed 10,000 North Korean soldiers to support military operations and conduct training on its territory.
Ukraine has been closely monitoring the involvement of foreign military personnel in the war, particularly in relation to North Korea’s ties with Russia. President Zelensky noted that the soldiers' injuries and their efforts to flee to Ukrainian forces suggest they were attempting to escape from the Russian military.
This development highlights the growing complexity of the war in Ukraine and the increasing involvement of international actors. As investigations continue, the global community remains alert to the broader implications of North Korea’s role in Russia’s military operations and its potential influence on the conflict.