Ukrainian Forces Capture First North Korean Soldier Fighting for Russia

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have reportedly captured the first North Korean soldier fighting alongside the Russian military in Ukraine.

A photograph of the captured mercenary was initially shared on a private Telegram channel and later circulated widely across other platforms.

The soldier was detained by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SOF) during an operation in the Kursk sector aimed at neutralizing enemy forces. Alongside the capture, the SOF secured several strategic trophies, including a Russian BTR-82 armored personnel carrier equipped with anti-HEAT protection, weapons, and documents.

The North Korean soldier appeared to be in poor physical condition, with visible injuries. It remains unclear whether he received medical stabilization after his capture. The operation underscores Ukraine’s efforts to counter the reported involvement of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers supporting Russia in its war.

The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine became evident on December 14, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed their participation in combat operations in the Kursk oblast. Ukrainian intelligence also uncovered documents allegedly issued by Russian forces to North Korean soldiers, falsely identifying them as Russian nationals.

Ukrainian forces have documented the involvement of North Korean troops through drone footage and captured materials. Earlier, the ‘Khyzhak’ Special Police Forces Brigade released a video showing the elimination of North Korean soldiers using FPV and munition-equipped drones. Artillery attacks and cluster munitions were also employed by Ukraine’s 17th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade to target North Korean infantry in the Kursk oblast.

North Korea’s Military Ties with Russia

The growing North Korean presence in Ukraine follows a defense pact signed between Moscow and Pyongyang in June 2024. This agreement pledged mutual military support, deepening cooperation between the two nations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that North Korea has supplied Russia with missiles, artillery, and millions of munitions. He also confirmed that Russia has been training North Korean troops for combat roles. He warned, "If these troops engage in combat against Ukraine, they would be legitimate military targets."

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun estimated that North Korea has sent over 1,000 missiles and millions of munitions to Russia to fund its own defense initiatives.