North Korean soldiers in Russia resort to suicide amid capture of first POWs by Ukraine

In a tragic turn of events, North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia’s Kursk region against Ukrainian forces have resorted to extreme measures, including suicide, to avoid capture. According to a report by Reuters, following a recent battle, Ukrainian special forces discovered more than a dozen North Korean soldiers who had been killed. One soldier who was still alive decided to detonate a grenade, taking his own life rather than face capture.

This disturbing development comes on the heels of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing the capture of two North Korean prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy revealed in a recent address that North Korean and Russian forces have been finishing off their wounded soldiers to prevent them from being taken prisoner. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of providing military IDs to North Korean troops in an effort to conceal their involvement in the conflict.

It is estimated that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with the majority stationed in Kursk to combat Ukrainian forces. South Korean intelligence reports suggest that these North Korean troops have suffered around 3,000 casualties since entering the conflict in mid-November.

In a video shared on social media, Zelenskyy showed the captured North Korean soldiers receiving medical treatment and being questioned about their involvement in the fighting. One soldier claimed to have been misled about the nature of the mission, believing he was participating in training exercises rather than engaging in combat.

Western intelligence sources have raised concerns about the readiness of North Korean troops for the conflict they have been thrust into. Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to exchange the captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia. He also stated that for those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, alternative options may be considered.

The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with both sides experiencing significant losses. As the conflict continues, the toll on all involved parties, including the North Korean soldiers caught in the crossfire, is a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic situation.