Ukraine has reported the capture of two North Korean soldiers who were fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk border region, marking the first such claim by Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the development on Saturday, highlighting North Korea’s growing involvement in supporting Moscow’s war efforts.
In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy stated, “Our soldiers captured North Korean soldiers in Kursk. Despite their injuries, they survived and are now in Kyiv, cooperating with Ukrainian security services.” He shared images of the soldiers, shown bandaged and resting on cots in a secured facility.
Zelenskyy alleged that Russian and North Korean forces have been trying to hide the presence of North Korean troops, even resorting to killing wounded comrades to prevent their capture.
North Korea’s Role in Russia’s War Effort
Ukraine’s security service (SBU) revealed that one of the captured soldiers carried a Russian military ID from the Tuva region, while the other had no identification. The soldiers claimed they were sent to Russia for “training” but were deployed to the front lines after just a week of preparation.
According to Ukraine, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with hundreds reportedly killed or injured in the ongoing battles around Kursk. The White House and Pentagon have corroborated North Korea’s involvement, noting that its forces are primarily deployed in infantry roles, either alongside Russian troops or in independent units.
US Sanctions Target Russia’s Energy Sector
In a separate development, Zelenskyy welcomed the latest U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, including over 180 oil-carrying vessels suspected of aiding Moscow in evading oil sanctions. The measures also blacklist major Russian energy companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz.
“These sanctions strike at Russia’s shadow fleet and companies that fund Putin’s war,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the need to tighten economic pressure on the Kremlin.
Increased Drone Activity Suggests Ukraine’s Advancing Arms Industry
In Russia, Ukrainian drones struck residential areas in Tambov province overnight, damaging apartment blocks and injuring residents, according to acting regional Governor Yegveniy Pervyshov. Russia reported shooting down 85 Ukrainian drones, primarily targeting the south and west.
The significant number of Ukrainian drones suggests Kyiv is enhancing its domestic arms production to match the scale of Moscow’s attacks. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 74 drones in overnight assaults, highlighting the intensifying drone warfare between the two nations.
