North Korean Soldiers Captured by Ukraine Provide Insight into the War

Two North Korean soldiers captured in January in the Kursk region are being treated for injuries while providing testimony about North Korea’s role in the war alongside Russia. They were initially sent to Russia with a large military contingent, unaware of the conflict’s true nature. The soldiers face dire consequences if returned to North Korea, where surrender is seen as treason.

Recent reports indicate that two North Korean soldiers, captured in January in Ukraine’s Kursk region, are currently receiving medical treatment. According to The Wall Street Journal, these individuals are providing testimony regarding North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s military operations. The soldiers had previously arrived in Russia with a contingent of 12,000 troops, tasked with supporting Moscow’s efforts in the Kursk area.

The captured soldiers, identified as 21-year-old Paek and 26-year-old Ri, were taken to a prison facility in Kyiv after their capture. Both soldiers are undergoing treatment for severe injuries. Reports state that Paek suffered wounds to both legs, while Ri is dealing with a grave arm injury and struggles with speech due to a bullet wound.

The North Korean soldiers indicated they were unaware of the war they were sent to engage in. They believed they were deployed to combat South Korean forces aiding Ukraine, only to quickly find themselves on the front lines. Orders mandated that they avoid capture at any cost, even contemplating suicide if necessary.

In early January, Paek’s unit of ten soldiers was assigned to block a vital road used by Ukrainian forces. During this mission, they encountered heavy artillery fire, resulting in Paek being wounded and losing consciousness. Five days later, Ukrainian special forces located him and provided immediate care, although he faced the amputation of several toes due to gangrene.

Both soldiers conveyed concerns regarding their potential return to North Korea, where surrender is deemed treasonous. Ukrainian officials reported significant casualty figures from the North Korean contingent, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a video of the soldiers’ interrogations public.

During these interrogations, a North Korean soldier recounted that after his injury, he spent almost a week alone on the battlefield before Ukrainian troops rescued him. President Zelenskyy publicly proposed an arrangement for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to reclaim the captured soldiers under certain conditions. Furthermore, one captured soldier revealed that North Korean troops were transported to Russia via ferry and train, during which they were kept in complete informational isolation.

In conclusion, the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Ukraine underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the unexpected involvement of foreign troops. Their testimonies highlight their lack of awareness regarding the war and their predicament, as well as the significant risks they face if returned to North Korea. The situation also raises questions about North Korea’s military strategies and the possible consequences of their actions in supporting Russia.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua