"Now is the Perfect Opportunity to Defect"… Ukraine Drops Leaflets for North Korean Soldiers

After the War, North Korean Soldiers Who Defect May Be Protected

The Ukrainian government is reportedly planning to distribute a large number of "defection encouragement leaflets" targeting North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia.

On the 27th (local time), according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency, Matviyenko, a spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) under the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, told the media, "North Korean soldiers are under the oppression of a dictatorship. Deployment is a good opportunity for soldiers to escape their homeland." Matviyenko explained that while it is necessary to investigate whether North Korean soldiers have committed war crimes during combat, they could be protected as defectors after the war with Russia ends.

[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

The Ukrainian government has already been operating a counseling channel for Russian forces who surrendered since 2022. It also provides safe escape routes. In the case of North Korean soldiers, they can access an application (app) via phone, communication, or QR code to contact the Ukrainian military.

However, North Korean soldiers without smartphones may find it difficult to contact Ukraine. Regarding this, spokesperson Matviyenko predicted, "It is also possible that communication devices are being provided to North Korean soldiers by the Russian military."

Prisoner meal released by the Ukrainian military
[Image source=Telegram capture]

Ukrainian intelligence authorities are already conducting psychological warfare targeting North Korean soldiers. For years, Ukraine has operated a Telegram and other social networking service (SNS) channels called "I Want to Live," which originally provided information to Russian soldiers willing to surrender. Recently, videos translated into Korean (Munhwaeo) have also been posted on this channel.

The video content urges, "Surrender! Ukraine will provide shelter, food, and warmth," and provides contact information. It also shows prisoner detention facilities with beds and food. The channel emphasizes, "Prisoners in the camps receive three meals a day," and "The diet includes meat, fresh vegetables, and bread."