Ukraine Captures Two Injured North Korean Soldiers
The Facts
Ukrainian forces captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region on Thursday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.
One soldier reportedly carried a fake Russian military identification from the Tuva region, while the other had no documentation and neither spoke Ukrainian, Russian, or English.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
The capture highlights North Korea's direct involvement in Russia's war effort and proves that Moscow is attempting to conceal this participation by issuing fake documentation. This is a new threat, and Kyiv must prepare for what it means in the future, as it's only a matter of time before the North Koreans — who are currently vulnerable — improve their combat effectiveness and become a significant military force.
Pro-Russia narrative
Claims and "evidence" about North Korean soldiers being sent to fight against Ukraine on behalf of Russia are complete nonsense. If Pyongyang had to send its troops to support Moscow, it would be in line with the norms of international law, not covertly. Just because Ukraine wanted a distraction, it captured likely innocent North Koreans and deliberately misrepresented their presence in the combat zone.
