The involvement of North Korean forces in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a source of intrigue and concern.
Thousands are believed to be involved, sparking questions about their role and the conditions they face.
For the first time, Ukraine has taken North Korean soldiers into custody, providing a rare window into their experiences.
Want to stay in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a video featuring two soldiers captured in Russia’s Kursk region.
Their accounts reveal troubling details about how they were deployed. One soldier, visibly injured and lying in a hospital bed, stated: “I thought it was training,” explaining he had no idea he was being sent into active combat.
When asked about his future, he expressed a clear desire to remain in Ukraine, adding, “I want to live in Ukraine.”
The second soldier, severely wounded and unable to speak, answered questions by nodding.
When asked about his family, he indicated they were unaware of his situation, according to Digi24.
Both accounts suggest these troops were misled about their missions, raising broader concerns about their treatment and the transparency of their deployment.
Zelensky proposed returning the captured soldiers to North Korea, offering to exchange them for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. He stated:
“If their leader can arrange for the release of our people, we are ready to send these soldiers back.”
For those unwilling to return, Ukraine is prepared to explore alternative arrangements, including opportunities to share their experiences.
Estimates suggest thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to bolster Russian forces, though these claims have not been officially acknowledged by Moscow.
The capture of these soldiers marks the first solid proof of their presence, creating new questions about their role and the circumstances under which they are fighting.
