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North Korean Soldier Captured, Later Dies in Ukraine War

A soldier from North Korea (DPRK) has been captured while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence. The soldier, who was taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces, later died from his injuries.

AFP reports that Pyongyang has dispatched thousands of troops to bolster Russian forces, including in the border region of Kursk where Ukraine launched surprise attacks in August. One of these soldiers was captured alive by Ukrainian forces on Thursday (26/12) but his location remains unknown.

Several hours later, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed the soldier’s death. "It has been confirmed that the DPRK soldier who was captured alive on December 26 has since died from his wounds," the NIS said in a statement.

This news comes days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that nearly 3,000 North Korean troops have been "killed or wounded" since they joined Russian forces in battles. South Korean intelligence previously reported that around 1,000 DPRK citizens have been killed or wounded, attributing the high casualty rate to unfamiliar battlefield environments and inadequate skills to counter drone attacks.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A key defense treaty signed in June between Pyongyang and Moscow entered into force this month, hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "breakthrough document."

However, North Korea’s increasing involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine has been described by Ukraine’s allies as a "dangerous expansion" of the conflict. South Korea’s military believes that the DPRK is aiming to modernize its conventional war capabilities through combat experience gained in Ukraine, while NATO chief Mark Rutte suggested that Moscow is supporting Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs in exchange for military support.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported on Monday that North Korea is reportedly preparing additional troop rotations or deployments and has supplied Russian forces with 240mm rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery. North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war has raised alarms in Seoul.

Watch also: Video – ‘South Korea: 100 DPRK Soldiers Killed While Aiding Russia Against Ukraine’

Sources include AFP and South Korean intelligence.