The comments came after Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, where they were reportedly sent to Kiev for interrogation.
advertisementA spokesman for Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) said the arrest of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region was “indisputable evidence” of North Korea’s involvement in the war.
The two unnamed individuals were reportedly captured by Ukrainian forces and then sent to Kiev for interrogation.
“They are being held in appropriate conditions that meet the requirements of international law. Since the prisoners speak neither Ukrainian nor English nor Russian, communication with them is facilitated by Korean interpreters in cooperation with the Korean National Intelligence Service.” “At the time of his capture, one of the prisoners had a Russian military ID card issued in the name of another foreigner registered in the Republic of Tuva,” Artem Dekcharenko said. Ta.
He also said both men were receiving “full treatment.”
In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that two North Koreans were being interrogated by law enforcement authorities with the help of a South Korean interpreter.
President Zelensky said their capture “was not easy,” and that Russian and North Korean forces have threatened the presence of North Korean soldiers on the battlefield, including killing wounded comrades to avoid capture and interrogation by Kiev. He claimed he was trying to hide it.
“They are both alive and have already been taken to Kiev. They are currently talking to… SSU investigators,” he said.
President Zelenskiy went on to say that their presence is evidence that Russia is “doing everything to prolong and intensify the war.”
There was no comment from North Korea on the detention of the two soldiers, but the country has not officially acknowledged sending troops to support Russia’s war effort.
Last month, a senior Ukrainian military official announced that about 200 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting with Russian forces in Kursk.
The official was giving the first significant estimate of North Korea’s casualties, which comes as North Korea relies on Russia to support its nearly three-year war with its much smaller neighbor. This comes weeks after Ukraine announced it was sending in 12,000 to 12,000 troops.
The White House and Pentagon confirmed last month that North Korean troops are fighting on the front lines, primarily in infantry positions. They are fighting with Russian military units and, in some cases, fighting on their own around Kursk.
Meanwhile, Zelensky met with outgoing US President Joe Biden following the announcement of new sanctions against Russia’s vital energy sector, according to his Telegram account.
The sanctions target more than 180 oil vessels suspected of being part of a shadow fleet used by the Kremlin to evade oil sanctions, as well as Russian energy giants, traders, oilfield services companies and energy authorities. is also targeted. According to the Treasury Department, several of the targeted vessels are also suspected of transporting Iranian crude oil, which is subject to sanctions.
“It is very important that the United States has now attacked Russia’s shadow tanker fleet and companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, which are hoarding funds for President Putin’s personal benefit. He must feel that he is losing the cost of the war from his wallet,” President Zelenskiy said. It mentions two Russian energy giants that are blacklisted along with dozens of their subsidiaries.
advertisementIn response to the sanctions, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that “Washington’s hostilities will not go unchecked,” but did not provide details of planned countermeasures.
strike across borders
And in Russia, a Ukrainian drone crashed into an apartment complex in the western Tambov region overnight, blowing out windows and damaging balconies in two five-story blocks, said the acting regional governor, Yegveny Pervishov.
He said there were injuries, but gave no details.
The Ministry of Defense reported on Saturday that Russia shot down 85 Ukrainian drones, mainly targeting the south and west.
advertisementAt the same time, Russia attacked Ukraine with 74 drones overnight into Saturday, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
