
North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine reveal shocking truths about their deployment and the desperate measures they take to avoid capture.
At a Glance
- Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces, with one expressing desire to stay in Ukraine
- Approximately 11,000 North Korean troops deployed in Ukraine, suffering significant casualties
- North Korean soldiers reportedly resorting to suicide to avoid capture
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy open to exchanging captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian POWs
Unexpected Deployment and Capture
In a startling development in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian forces have captured two North Korean soldiers, shedding light on the secretive nation’s involvement in the war. These captures mark North Korea’s first large-scale military engagement since the Korean War, with an estimated 11,000 troops deployed to support Russian forces.
Initial interrogations have revealed that some North Korean soldiers were unaware they were being sent to fight in Ukraine, believing they were participating in routine military training. This lack of preparation has left many North Korean troops ill-equipped to face the realities of modern warfare, particularly struggling with elements like drone technology.
Desperate Measures and Suicidal Orders
Reports from the front lines paint a grim picture of the conditions faced by North Korean soldiers. Ukrainian officials claim that these troops are being used in “hopeless assaults” against Ukrainian defenses, with little regard for their lives. More alarmingly, evidence suggests that North Korean commanders have issued orders for their soldiers to commit suicide rather than face capture.
“There’s nothing we can say at the current stage” – Koo Byoungsam
Lieutenant Colonel Yaroslav Chepurnyi of the Ukrainian forces reported, “They have been blowing themselves up when they see capture is in sight.” This extreme behavior is believed to stem from fear of reprisals against their families in North Korea if they are captured or surrender.
Skilled but Sacrificial Troops
Despite their dire circumstances, Ukrainian soldiers describe the North Korean troops as highly skilled, fearless, and motivated. They are noted for their physical fitness, discipline, and proficiency with small arms. Some Ukrainian fighters even warn against underestimating these troops, comparing them favorably to Wagner mercenaries.
“North Korean troops are being treated as “expendable” and ordered to take on “hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses,”” – National Security Council official John Kirby
However, their skills are often undermined by Russian commanders’ tactics and their own extreme measures to avoid capture. Reports suggest that approximately 300 North Korean soldiers have died and 2,700 have been injured in the conflict so far, highlighting the human cost of their involvement.
International Implications and Potential Exchanges
The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine has raised concerns about potential technology transfers from Russia to North Korea, which could enhance Pyongyang’s military capabilities. Neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly acknowledged the deployment, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to exchanging the captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia. This offer presents a unique diplomatic challenge, given the complex international relations surrounding the conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of these North Korean soldiers remains uncertain, caught between the geopolitical machinations of multiple nations and the brutal realities of a war they may never have intended to fight.