Official announcements from Ukrainian military or verified news reports

Zelensky: Ukraine Captures Two Wounded North Korean Soldiers in Russia's Kursk Region

Jan 11, 2025, 02:43 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces have captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region. The soldiers were transported to Kyiv, where they are being interrogated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Zelensky noted that the capture was challenging because Russian and North Korean forces often "finish off their wounded" to prevent capture and conceal North Korea's involvement. He thanked Tactical Group 84 of the Special Operations Forces for their efforts. This marks the first time Ukraine has confirmed the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since their reported entry into the war last autumn. Previously, Ukraine had captured one North Korean soldier who succumbed to his wounds within 24 hours. The captured soldiers may provide crucial evidence about North Korea's alleged support for Russia in the ongoing conflict, and journalists will have access to them.