Ukraine captures North Korean soldier for first time

The North Korean soldier who had taken Ukraine prisoner of war has died of his injuries, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reports. The soldier fought for Russia. He was the first North Korean soldier to be taken prisoner of war by Ukraine.

His captivity was confirmed by the South Korean intelligence service after a photo of him surfaced on the social media Telegram. In the photo, the man appears to have injuries. It is unclear where and when he fell into the hands of the Ukrainians.

An estimated 10,000 North Korean troops have been fighting for Russia since last month. They seem to be mainly deployed in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in August. Although the invasion has since been pushed back somewhat, fighting is still raging there.

According to Ukraine, the North Koreans are struggling with major shortages and heavy losses. President Zelensky said last Monday that at least 3,000 North Koreans had been killed or wounded. South Korea said the same day that the number was lower: 1,000 soldiers disabled.