Ukraine, Jan 12, (V7N) - Ukrainian forces have captured two North Korean soldiers, who were fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The soldiers, alive but wounded, were taken prisoner in Kursk, a Russian region near Ukraine’s border, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday. This is the first time Ukraine has captured North Korean soldiers since they began arriving in Russia to participate in the conflict in October.
 
In a post on social media, Zelensky revealed that the captured soldiers were transported to Kyiv, where they are currently communicating with Ukrainian officials. Zelensky emphasized the difficulty of the mission, as Russian forces and North Korean military personnel typically execute their wounded to prevent any evidence of North Korea’s involvement in the war.
 
North Korean forces have suffered heavy casualties, with over 1,000 reported killed or wounded in just one week, according to White House National Security Advisor John Kirby. Some North Korean soldiers have even reportedly taken their own lives to avoid surrendering to Ukrainian forces.
 
The North Korean troops have been primarily deployed to the frontlines in Kursk, serving as light infantry soldiers and mortar teams. Many of these soldiers are inexperienced in combat, according to U.S. military officials.
 
This development comes as President Joe Biden is preparing to hand over the White House to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Trump has expressed his desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. His remarks have raised concerns among Ukraine and its supporters about the potential reduction or cessation of U.S. aid to Ukraine, which has totaled more than $30 billion in military assistance since the invasion began nearly three years ago.
 
In the meantime, the Biden administration continues to provide support to Ukraine, with a new $500 million aid package, including air defense missiles, munitions, and F-16 fighter jet equipment. Additionally, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies and over 180 oil tankers that transport Russian oil to India and China, which have become key buyers following European sanctions.
 
Meanwhile, Russia's relationship with North Korea has strengthened, with both nations signing a defense pact during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in June.
 
The situation remains tense as Ukraine continues to face the challenges of Russian aggression, while international diplomatic efforts unfold.
 
END/WD/SMA/