In a rare glimpse into the shadowy frontlines of the Kursk region, a Ukrainian special forces commander has revealed the daring operation that led to the capture of a North Korean soldier fighting under Vladimir Putin’s banner. These troops, reportedly deployed by Pyongyang to bolster Russian forces, have gained a fearsome reputation for their refusal to surrender, often opting for death over captivity. Yet, against the odds, Ukrainian elite units managed to take one alive, shedding light on their secretive presence in the conflict.
The commander, speaking anonymously due to operational security, described a tense ambush in the frostbitten forests of Kursk. “They’re trained to fight to the last breath,” he said, noting the soldier’s initial resistance before being subdued with non-lethal force. The captured fighter, now under interrogation, offers a potential intelligence windfall—revealing details about North Korea’s military involvement and the morale of these foreign contingents.
This breakthrough marks a significant moment in the war, as evidence mounts of North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia. Analysts suggest such captures could strain the Kremlin’s narrative of unity, while Ukraine leverages the incident to highlight its tactical edge against an increasingly desperate adversary.