South Korea's spy agency has confirmed that two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk border region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to hand over the soldiers to North Korea in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia.
The captured soldiers have not expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea, according to the National Intelligence Service. However, if they do request to resettle in South Korea, the agency is prepared to discuss the matter with Ukrainian authorities.
About 300 North Korean soldiers are believed to have died and 2,700 injured in the conflict against Ukrainian forces. The North Koreans are reportedly struggling to adapt to modern warfare tactics and technologies, facing challenges such as drones and unfamiliar terrain.
North Korean soldiers have been ordered to commit suicide before capture, as indicated by memos found on deceased soldiers. The agency revealed that one soldier attempted to detonate a hand grenade before being shot and killed by Ukrainian forces.
Retired South Korean brigadier general Moon Seong Mook highlighted the disadvantages faced by North Korean soldiers, including lack of preparation for the Kursk terrain and unfamiliar combat operations under Russian commanders.
There are concerns in Seoul that North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict could pose a threat to South Korea, as it may lead to the enhancement of North Korea's military capabilities through combat experience and technology transfers from Russia.
