Ukrainian Paratroopers Capture North Korean POW: Inside Story
In a daring military operation in the Kursk region, Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade successfully captured a North Korean soldier who attempted suicide to avoid being taken prisoner. The intense assault by DPRK forces, lasting from early morning until evening, was met with fierce resistance by the Ukrainian troops.
Paratroopers’ Accounts
One of the paratroopers, with the call sign “Ded” [Grandpa], recounted the heavy onslaught they faced during the battle. Another soldier, Serhiy, emphasized the crucial role drones played in identifying the enemy’s movements. Despite the ferocity of the assault, Ukrainian forces stood their ground until reinforcements arrived and the DPRK soldiers began to retreat. The Ukrainians then pushed back the remaining troops using various weapons, including grenade launchers and machine guns.
Capture of the North Korean Soldier
After the battle, a drone operator spotted a body moving and directed the paratroopers to the spot. Initially mistaken for a wounded Ukrainian soldier, they soon realized that the individual was a North Korean soldier. The soldier was found with a grenade and a knife on his vest, along with a sausage, likely a ration he carried into battle. The paratroopers also discovered injuries on his jaw and arm, indicating that someone had likely helped him treat the wounds.
Humanizing Touch
The account of the captured North Korean soldier highlights the complexities and challenges faced by both sides in the conflict. Despite being on opposing sides of the battlefield, there is a shared humanity in the way the Ukrainian troops treated the prisoner. From providing medical assistance to playing Korean films for him, the Ukrainian soldiers demonstrated compassion and empathy even towards their enemy. The soldier’s panicked reaction upon seeing the transport vehicle shows the fear and uncertainty that war brings, transcending national boundaries. This humanizing touch reminds us that behind every conflict are individuals with their own stories, fears, and hopes.
The capture of the North Korean soldier serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the troops for their actions and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian standards in treating prisoners of war. Despite the denials from Pyongyang, the captures provide compelling evidence of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, shedding light on the hidden casualties of this conflict.
