Proposal to Dispatch Russian General to Solve Issue
South Korean Man Volunteering as Mercenary Also Urges Surrender to North Korean Troops
Claims have been raised that dissatisfaction over food shortages is growing among North Korean soldiers deployed in the Kursk region of Russia. On the 5th (local time), Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Unit (DIU) reported via Telegram that when complaints arose about insufficient meal rations for North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, Russian authorities dispatched a general to resolve the issue. The general sent to Kursk is known to be Major General Meblyutov, Deputy Commander in charge of resource support for the Saint Petersburg Military District.
A video released around last October by the Ukrainian Military Strategic Communication and Information Security Center (SPRAVDI) showing soldiers presumed to be North Korean lining up to receive Russian supplies. Ukrainian Military Strategic Communication and Information Security Center X (X).
DIU stated, "Russian authorities dispatched Major General Meblyutov to oversee the situation," adding, "Upon arrival, he ordered that the food supplies of the Russian 11th Air Assault Brigade be provided to the North Korean soldiers." It further noted, "Soldiers belonging to North Korea's 92nd and 94th Special Brigades are deployed under the Russian 11th Air Assault Brigade, 22nd Mechanized Rifle Division, and 810th Marine Brigade," and added, "Some soldiers are conducting operations under the command of Russian units."
Earlier, Ukrainian authorities revealed that North Korean troops have joined Russian units and are participating in frontline combat. On the 3rd, Andriy Chernyak, representative of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR), stated in a local radio interview, "About 2,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed with Russian marine brigades and airborne divisions, engaging in combat," and claimed, "There are still 9,000 reserve troops remaining." Anatoliy Barilevych, Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, also disclosed that over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in Russia's Kursk region, with some having engaged in clashes with Ukrainian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently told Kyodo News in an interview that "North Korean troops dispatched to western Russia have been killed or wounded in combat."
Some reports have also emerged suggesting that certain North Korean troops deployed to Russia are performing guard duties rather than combat operations. On the same day, Ukrainian media outlet RBC cited a report from the National Resistance Center (NRC), operated by Ukrainian special operations forces, stating that North Korean soldiers are primarily assigned to security tasks. The report assessed that by sharing guard duties, North Korean troops have enabled Russian forces to deploy more personnel to the front lines.
Meanwhile, a Korean man claiming to have been fighting for the Ukrainian military for three years released a video urging North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia to surrender. The pro-Ukraine international civic group 'Informnapalm' published the video. In the video, a man wearing an ochre-colored hat and a mask covering his face introduced himself as a "South Korean from the Republic of Korea" in a 1 minute and 40 second clip.
A Korean man claiming to have served as a mercenary in the Ukrainian army for three years urges North Korean troops deployed in Russia to surrender. Telegram 'informnapalm'
He said, "I voluntarily enlisted in the Ukrainian military and have been fighting against Russia for Ukraine for three years," adding, "Kim Jong-un and his family, along with some wealthy elites, still live luxurious lives. But ordinary North Korean people suffer from cold and hunger." He continued, "You are being sacrificed unilaterally by them," emphasizing, "You have no reason to live in fear, cold, and hunger. You have the freedom and right to create your own life."
The man also provided specific instructions for surrendering to North Korean soldiers. He said, "If you encounter Ukrainian troops, drop your weapons and raise your hands to indicate your intention to surrender," assuring, "We will not harm you, and we will provide you with food, shelter, money, and jobs." Furthermore, he added, "Depending on your wishes, we may also offer opportunities for asylum in other countries."
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