Ukrainian forces captured 2 North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in the Kursk Oblast. They were 20 and 26, respectively. They were injured during fights and are presently being treated in Kiev. During the interrogations, 1 military officer said he was sent to Russia under the appearance of having military training there.
In addition to talking to the prisoners, the Ukrainians besides reviewed their things. Among them they found Russian military recognition documents, including 1 identity card attributed to a soldier from the Russian region of Tuwa, reports "The Washington Post". That suggests that The Russians are trying to integrate North Korean soldiers into Russian units, giving the military from Pyongyang a false identity.
Absolute Loyalty
Among the individual effects of North Korean prisoners of war, Ukrainians besides found handwritten instructions. Their authors recommended North Korean military men to avoid being captured by Ukrainians at all costs, stating that they should take their own lives alternatively than surrender.
Ukrainian intelligence officials have noted that specified orders are in line with reports of refugees who say North Korea's military doctrine places a strong emphasis on the loyalty of ideology and individual dedication.
Ukrainian forces besides found in North Korean diaries offering insight into their experiences and motivations. any entries confirmed loyalty to North Korean leadership. 1 of the soldiers wrote that “without hesitation he will obey the orders of the ultimate commander.”
Analysts claim that these papers are in line with the actions of the North Korean authorities, which place large emphasis on absolute loyalty and strict discipline among members of the armed forces.
Similar conclusions emerged from the analysis another North Korean soldier's journalwhich the Ukrainians have late found. It allegedly belonged to Gyeong Hong-jong serving in the elite North Korean units.
He told about his motivation to fight and the principles of North Korean units.
"I was blessed with the anticipation of being promoted to elder sergeant in my company. I will go to the front and follow the orders of the ultimate Leader without asking, even if it costs me my life," he wrote.
Growing engagement of North Korea in the war
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine raises the concerns of analysts that Moscow may further strengthen ties with Pyongyang. Western intelligence agencies have previously reported that North Korea provides Russia with artillery missiles and rockets. However, sending soldiers to the front is clear with the extension of direct military support.
The National South Korean Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that about 300 North Korean soldiers were killed in the fighting in Ukraine and 2700 wounded. This indicates the crucial engagement of the Pyongyang troops in armed action.
Ukraine called for an global consequence to North Korea's involvement, calling on its allies to recognise that Russia is looking for external reinforcements to sustain its military campaign.
Volodymyr Zelenski stated that Ukraine is ready to return captured soldiers to Pyongyang as part of a possible exchange of prisoners with Russia. Officials are inactive investigating their exact function and chain of command.
