Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of exploiting North Korean soldiers to escalate the ongoing conflict. In a video shared on the platform X, Zelensky revealed details of interrogations with two captured North Korean soldiers wounded during clashes in Russia’s Kursk region. He stated, “The world will learn the truth about how Russia used these men, unaware of Ukraine, to prolong this war.”
The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed that the soldiers received medical care and are not in critical condition. One captive reportedly believed he was sent to Russia for training rather than combat. Zelensky expressed willingness to return the soldiers to North Korea in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.
Zelensky also thanked Ukrainian defenders and international supporters for their efforts in resisting Russian aggression.