Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deploying North Korean soldiers with minimal protection, resulting in several casualties among captured troops. In his Friday evening address, Zelensky disclosed that “several” wounded North Korean soldiers had died after being captured by Ukrainian forces.
“Today, there were reports about several soldiers from North Korea. Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner, but they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated,” Zelensky said in a video shared on social media.
North Korean Troops in Combat
Western intelligence agencies and Ukraine allege that thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to support Russia’s military, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war. South Korea’s intelligence service and the White House have corroborated these claims, estimating nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Ukraine so far.
The high casualty rates are attributed to unfamiliar battlefield conditions and the troops’ inability to counter modern warfare tactics such as drone strikes. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby added that some North Korean soldiers have taken their own lives, fearing repercussions against their families in North Korea if captured.
Strengthened Russia-North Korea Ties
The collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In June, the two countries signed a landmark defense pact hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “breakthrough document.” North Korean state media recently reported that Putin had sent a New Year’s message to Kim Jong Un, emphasizing strengthened ties following their summit in June.
Pyongyang has reportedly supplied heavy weaponry, including 240mm rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery, to Russia. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte claims Moscow has been supporting North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs in exchange for troop deployments.
South Korea’s Warning
South Korea has expressed growing concern over Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict. President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently suspended, hinted in November that Seoul might reconsider its policy against providing weapons to nations in active conflict, signaling potential arms support to Ukraine.
The use of North Korean troops highlights the deepening alliance between Russia and Pyongyang while raising alarms over the broader implications for regional and global security.
