**Ukrainian Forces Capture North Korean Soldier in Russia**
A month-long mission by Ukrainian forces to capture a North Korean soldier alive has been successful, with two soldiers taken prisoner. The operation was carried out in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
According to Ukraine, around 12,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed in the region, but neither Russia nor North Korea have officially acknowledged this. The capture of the two North Korean soldiers is seen as “irrefutable evidence” of Pyongyang’s involvement in the Kremlin’s full-scale war.
**The Mission**
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces soldier Borsuk described the mission as follows: “We approached the target where we were supposed to operate. We had been observing it and knew their base positions were there.” The enemy group was made up entirely of North Koreans, according to the Ukrainian soldiers.
In the ensuing firefight, the enemy group took casualties and began to retreat. One wounded North Korean soldier was left behind. The Ukrainian forces kept him under constant fire control to ensure he didn’t move or make any sudden moves.
**Capturing the Soldier**
Borsuk recalled the moment when they approached the soldier: “He still had a grenade with him, in addition to his weapon, and it was very difficult to take it away.” Eventually, the North Korean soldier allowed them to get close, and he was taken prisoner.
The two soldiers captured are believed to be better prepared physically and mentally than Russian soldiers. They have served for eight years in the North Korean army and have received training for extreme conditions.
**Russian Use of North Korean Troops**
Ukrainian forces believe that Russia’s use of North Korean troops could shift the dynamics of the war. “Imagine a battalion facing a force of up to 10,000 troops,” said Borsuk. “They can throw battalion after battalion into the fight, and they’re not running out of personnel.”
This tactic strains both Ukrainian soldiers and logistical support, as significant resources are required to counter such waves.
**Conclusion**
The capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces believe that this could be just the beginning, with more North Korean troops potentially being deployed in the region.
