Ukraine captures North Korean soldiers in Russian territory
Drone operators from the tactical group of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) demonstrated the capture of a North Korean soldier during special operations in Russia's Kursk region.
The Ukrainian Special Forces released footage showing North Korean soldiers being taken into custody in Russia's Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared these images.
"It involves two North Korean soldiers—one was captured by fighters from tactical group number 84 of the SSO unit on January 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, and the other by airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on the X platform.
The head of state thanked the soldiers from Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the airborne troops for capturing the North Koreans. He confirmed they received medical care, just like all other prisoners of war.
Zelensky announced that he had instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to allow journalists access to the prisoners, emphasizing, "The world needs to know the truth about what is happening."
Previously, Kyiv, the Pentagon, and South Korean intelligence reported significant losses among North Korean troops; however, until now, there was no concrete visual evidence.
The statement by the President of Ukraine notes that the North Korean prisoners were transported to Kyiv. They do not speak Russian or English, so communication is facilitated using Korean language translators "in cooperation with South Korean intelligence."
It has been reported that one of the prisoners possessed a Russian military document in the name of another person registered in the Republic of Tuva, while the other had no documents.
