Ukraine has announced that it captured two injured North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, and testimonies from Ukrainian special forces members who participated in the capture have been revealed.
According to a video exclusively reported by the Ukrainian daily Kyiv Independent on the 15th (local time), two Ukrainian special forces soldiers who took part in the operation to capture the two North Korean soldiers last week said that although the captured North Korean soldiers were injured in their legs and other areas, they were armed with grenades and other weapons, making the capture difficult.
According to footage apparently recorded with a body camera at the scene, the North Korean soldier who had injured his leg and collapsed on the ground was cautious as armed Ukrainian soldiers approached but was unable to move due to his injury.
Bernard, a Ukrainian special forces soldier present at the scene, said, "We knew basic Korean words like 'come here' and 'are you hurt?'" and spoke to him.
He said that the wounded soldier "had weapons and grenades, and it was very difficult to take them away from him," adding, "As we began to provide first aid, the enemy started firing artillery. It seemed as if they realized we were trying to rescue and take him away."
When asked whether the North Korean soldiers seemed to think it better to take their own lives rather than surrender, Borsuk, another Ukrainian special forces soldier who participated in the capture operation, replied, "It seems so," adding, "They all appeared to have that sentiment."
Borsuk said the captured North Korean soldier had gunshot wounds and "he behaved normally, his condition was stable, and he was able to speak. The only problem was his leg; the rest was fine. We took care of him, and he was just a young boy."
Bernard added about the captured North Korean soldier, "He didn't seem like some 'super killer.' He was just an ordinary person, so I wanted to help him."
They emphasized that the North Korean soldiers they encountered on the battlefield were more motivated for war than Russian soldiers and were young and physically strong opponents.
Borsuk said, "I don't think ordinary Russian infantry would behave like North Korean soldiers," adding, "Russians are ready to surrender in groups, but North Korean soldiers are not. Compared to Russian soldiers, they are much better prepared physically and mentally. They know where they are going and what they are going to do."
He added, "They can carry more load, run longer, and survive longer in extreme conditions."
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