As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, reports reveal that North Korean troop fatalities and injuries have likely crossed the 3,000 mark, including about 300 deaths and approximately 2,700 injuries. This information comes from a South Korean lawmaker, citing insights from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Suicide Orders and Casualties
The plight of North Korean troops has turned dire, with indications that authorities have urged soldiers to commit suicide by blowing themselves up if capture seems imminent. Captured North Korean soldiers, however, have demonstrated a lack of interest in defecting to South Korea. According to reports, South Korea stands ready to assist Ukraine should a request be made.
Captured North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 11 January 2024, that two wounded North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia’s Kursk region. This development, he asserted, provided “indisputable evidence” of North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine.
- One soldier indicated he was training, not fighting.
- Both men struggled to communicate, requiring Korean interpreters.
The SBU, Ukraine’s security service, confirmed that the captured soldiers were in a detention facility where they are receiving medical attention, under conditions aligned with international law.
Claims of Coordination Between Ukraine and North Korea
The captures have sparked discussions about the cooperation between Ukraine and the NIS of South Korea. As per reports, the first North Korean prisoners of war are now being held in Kyiv, shedding light on the DPRK’s involvement in the ongoing conflict.
This situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions and alliances as both North Korea and Russia seek to bolster their military capacities amidst the war’s chaos. Ukrainian officials have vowed to keep the international community informed about these developments.