Seoul, Jan 14, (V7N) – The ongoing conflict between North Korea and Ukraine has led to heavy casualties among North Korean soldiers, with the total number of wounded and dead surpassing 3,000. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), the toll includes at least 300 fatalities and 2,700 injuries. The figures were revealed by a South Korean lawmaker based on the NIS’s report.

The lawmaker confirmed that the total casualties among North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine exceed 3,000, with 300 dead and 2,700 injured. The NIS further reported that North Korean authorities, in an attempt to avoid arrest, have been ordering soldiers to detonate bombs and commit suicide if they face capture by the enemy.

In addition, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that should Ukraine request it, South Korea is prepared to interrogate any captured North Korean soldiers within its territory. However, there has been no indication from the detained soldiers that they are willing to travel to South Korea for questioning.

In a significant breakthrough, Ukraine has detained two North Korean soldiers alive for the first time in the Kursk region. One of the soldiers has expressed interest in staying in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that these soldiers could be given a chance to stay in Ukraine if they assist in establishing peace, adding that this would be a unique opportunity offered to them.

Zelenskyy further mentioned, “We’ve managed to capture two North Korean soldiers, and there is no doubt that more will be captured in the near future. It is only a matter of time before more soldiers from North Korea are in our custody.”

One of the captured soldiers, through an interpreter, claimed that he was unaware that he was fighting against Ukraine, revealing the extent of confusion and lack of awareness among some of the North Korean forces involved in the conflict.

In his statement on social media platform X, President Zelenskyy also added that Ukraine is ready to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to Kim Jong-un’s regime, but only if the North Korean government assists in ensuring the release of Ukrainian prisoners currently held by Russia.

This development marks a significant chapter in the ongoing war, as Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances, and North Korea’s involvement in the conflict draws global attention.

The NIS and other intelligence agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, as further details about the North Korean soldiers’ involvement in the war and their interactions with the Ukrainian forces come to light.

News Sources: Al Jazeera & Reuters

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