Ukraine confirms capture of two North Korean soldiers, revealing secret troop deployment
Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in January 2025, providing the first hard evidence of a secret deployment of some 15,000 North Korean special forces to support Russia's invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture, which was linked to a deal exchanging military technology and cash for Pyongyang's nuclear program. Human rights groups criticized Ukraine for exposing the prisoners' identities, citing Geneva Convention violations.
Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in January 2025, providing the first hard evidence that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had secretly deployed some 15,000 special forces troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture, which was linked to a deal exchanging billions of dollars worth of military technology and cash for Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme.
Ukraine posted the prisoners of war's images online and opened their prison doors to media, a move that drew criticism from international human rights organizations. The groups argued that such exposure breaches the Geneva Convention and puts the soldiers and their families in North Korea in grave danger.
The capture comes amid a broader pattern of foreign troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukraine has previously held prisoners of war from over 30 countries who allege deceptive recruitment by Russia, and has intensified operations against Russian positions in the occupied south.