South Korean intelligence has verified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces were captured in the Kursk region of Russia. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed the capture took place on January 9th. Zelenskyy reported the soldiers were wounded and transported to Kyiv for questioning by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The SBU released a video seemingly depicting the two captives in separate cells, though its authenticity remains unconfirmed. A doctor in the video describes one soldier as having a facial injury and the other with an open wound and a fractured lower leg. Both are reportedly receiving medical care.
One soldier was found without any identification, while the other possessed a Russian military ID belonging to a person from Tuva, a Russian region that shares a border with Mongolia. The Ukrainian military alleges that North Korean soldiers are disguised in Russian uniforms and carry these fabricated IDs, a tactic Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, suggests allows Russia to deny their involvement.
Although Ukraine, the U.S., and South Korea assert that between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk border region, Moscow has not publicly acknowledged their presence. Reports of North Korean involvement surfaced in October, with Ukrainian forces confirming ground engagements starting in December.
Zelenskyy stated that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded, although U.S. estimates place the figure around 1,200. Despite initial inexperience and losses, Ukrainian military intelligence and experts believe the combat experience gained will enhance North Korea's military capabilities.
Yusov highlighted the global implications, stating, "For the first time in decades, the North Korean army is gaining real military experience. This is a global challenge — not just for Ukraine and Europe, but for the entire world."
