Ukrainian Forces Capture Two North Korean Soldiers in Kursk

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukrainian forces have apprehended two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region. This development comes amidst intensified military operations in Kursk, where Ukraine is working to hold onto territory it seized during a rapid advance in August—marking the first capture of Russian land since World War II.

Zelenskyy disclosed that the captured soldiers, although wounded, have been transported to Kyiv and are currently communicating with Ukrainian security services. He shared images showing the soldiers resting on cots, both receiving medical attention in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

The Ukrainian security agency, SBU, reported that the soldiers were found with minimal identification, with one carrying a Russian military ID. Notably, there is a language barrier preventing direct communication, necessitating the use of Korean translators facilitated by South Korean intelligence.

Zelenskyy emphasized the challenges of capturing the North Koreans, stating that Russian and North Korean forces have taken extreme measures to prevent capture, including allegedly executing wounded comrades on the battlefield to conceal their presence.

As of now, estimates indicate that several hundred North Korean soldiers could be involved in combat alongside Russian forces, with hundreds reportedly killed or injured in the ongoing conflict.

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