Captured Russian soldiers have revealed the presence of North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine under Vladimir Putin’s command.
Take Advantage of Appearance
The prisoners of war (POWs) shared these details during interrogations by Ukrainian forces.
The soldiers described how North Korean troops are stationed in the Kursk region of Russia, close to the frontlines, according to Ziare.
According to captured Russian soldiers, the North Koreans in the region are referred to as “Buryats” rather than their true identity.
The term comes from the Buryats, an ethnic group in Siberia, to mask the presence of North Korean troops.
Given their similar appearances, distinguishing between the two groups is difficult for the untrained eye.
Suspicious of Outsiders
The North Korean soldiers are reportedly based in a camp just 25 kilometers from the frontlines. They are under their own commanders and avoid interaction with Russian troops.
The camp is heavily guarded, and the North Koreans are suspicious of outsiders, even Russian soldiers.
According to an Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) expert, a Russian soldier who approached the camp was nearly killed by its guards.
Questions about their military performance have also emerged.
A captured Russian soldier recounted an incident where a group of 15 North Korean soldiers nearly caused a fatal accident during grenade training.
One soldier was injured, leading to the entire group being removed from the exercise site.
