North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine, later dies
Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured a North Korean soldier in the Kursk region, marking the first such case since the beginning of the conflict. However, South Korean intelligence claims that the soldier has died.
Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.
According to AFP, this is the first confirmed case of North Korea's involvement in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
"We have confirmed through the intelligence agency of a friendly country that the North Korean soldier captured on December 26 recently died due to a deterioration in his condition," South Korean intelligence reports.
North Korea's support for Russia
Special units reportedly captured the soldier during an operation in Russia's western Kursk region. The exact timing of the incident has not been disclosed.
A photo allegedly showing the captured North Korean soldier, possibly wounded, has been circulated on Telegram.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been "killed or wounded" since their involvement alongside Russia. South Korea mentions about 1,100 such individuals.
More forces arrive in Russia
Western sources claim that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia in recent weeks to support Putin's army on the front. The Kremlin has not commented on this information, and North Korea has neither confirmed nor denied that its soldiers are assisting in the fight against Ukraine.
Ukrainian intelligence believes that North Korean military support for Russia threatens not only Ukraine but also South Korea and Japan. According to the intelligence, while some North Korean soldiers will die in Ukraine, others will return with combat experience, capable of training additional units in modern combat techniques. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces have confirmed that such actions could increase the military threat from North Korea to the region.
Source: Ukrainian Pravda/Telegram/WP
