Ukraine has captured an injured North Korean soldier, marking the first such incident since Pyongyang sent troops to support Russia in the war. The soldier was captured on December 26 and died from his injuries.
According to South Korea’s intelligence agency, the soldier died due to worsening wounds. Kyiv claims that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to aid Russia in the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine.
The incident has raised concerns about North Korea’s involvement in the war and its potential economic interests in supporting Russia. A senior fellow at the Stimson Center stated that Pyongyang is hoping to gain “economic support” from Moscow in the long run.
Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korean soldiers are being treated as expendable. At least 1,000 North Korean casualties have been reported in Ukraine last week alone, with US officials stating that these troops are experiencing mass casualties on the frontlines.
The Biden administration has also announced plans to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine, pending the inauguration of new President Donald Trump next month.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-north-korean-soldier-captured-in-kursk/live-71167620