Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukrainian forces have apprehended two North Korean soldiers who were fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk border region. This marks the first instance of Kyiv capturing North Korean soldiers since North Korea deployed thousands of troops to support Russia's military efforts.
The capture occurred as Ukraine intensified its attacks in Kursk to defend territory seized during a rapid incursion in August. However, Moscow's counteroffensive has inflicted heavy casualties on Ukrainian forces, resulting in the loss of significant ground.
Zelenskyy revealed that the captured North Korean soldiers, who sustained injuries, are currently under Ukrainian custody and are cooperating with security services. The soldiers were found with one lacking identification documents and the other carrying a Russian military ID card.
One of the captured soldiers claimed that he was misled into believing he was going to Russia for training rather than combat. He disclosed that his unit, comprising North Koreans, received minimal training alongside Russian troops before being deployed to the front lines.
Ukraine estimates that approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to Russia, with some engaging in combat alongside Russian forces in Kursk. The conflict in Kursk is seen as a crucial battleground that Ukraine hopes will compel Moscow to engage in negotiations to end the war.
US Imposes Sanctions on Russia's Energy Sector
Following the announcement of new US sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, Zelenskyy commended the move as a significant step in pressuring the Kremlin. The sanctions aim to disrupt Russian oil shipments and target key energy companies, including Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz.
In response to the sanctions, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned of retaliatory measures but did not provide specifics. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of holding Putin accountable for the consequences of the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Territory
Recent drone attacks by Ukrainian forces have caused damage to residential buildings in Russia's Tambov province. The strikes, which resulted in injuries, were part of a series of drone incidents between the two nations.
Russia reported intercepting 85 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine claimed to have launched 74 drones against Russian targets. The prevalence of Ukrainian drones suggests a potential escalation in domestic weapons production to counter Russian military actions.
For more updates on the conflict in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
