A Russian soldier captured by Ukrainian forces says he escaped his unit after North Korean soldiers, deployed by Moscow, accidentally fired on Russian positions in a case of misdirected fire.
Opened Fire in Wrong Direction
The soldier’s account, shared in a video released by Ukrainian military intelligence, brings attention to challenges faced by Russian forces using foreign troops, according to L'Independent.
In the video, shared by the pro-Ukrainian X account “Victoria,” the soldier describes how his unit was working alongside around ten North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.
Together, they were reportedly digging trenches and setting up defensive positions in the forest.
Despite being supplied with warm clothing and provisions, things took a chaotic turn during a recent engagement when the North Korean troops reportedly opened fire in the wrong direction.
Feared for His Life
“The Koreans started shooting at us,” the captured soldier recalls, explaining that Russian troops tried to signal where they should be aiming.
“I believe they ended up hitting two of our own.” Fearing for his life, the soldier decided to surrender to Ukrainian forces rather than risk further mishaps from his own allies
Since Ukraine’s surprise incursion into the Kursk region on August 6, fighting has escalated, with both sides taking heavy losses.
The region has strategic importance, with Ukraine attempting to disrupt Russian control along the border. Ukrainian military officials report that around 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now stationed in the area to reinforce Russian troops, as Moscow has faced significant losses and is seeking support from allied nations.
Russia has reportedly suffered over 20,000 casualties in Kursk alone, including both killed and wounded soldiers, as Ukrainian forces maintain a foothold in some areas.
The North Korean deployment comes amid Russia’s struggles to replenish its ranks. Russian casualties across the broader war are estimated in the tens of thousands, with significant losses in both personnel and equipment.
Faced with these challenges, Russia has increasingly relied on foreign allies like North Korea and has also sought equipment and drones from Iran.
