North Korean Soldiers Ordered to Suicide Before Capture in Ukraine, Report

North Korean soldiers have suffered significant casualties, including suicide orders, while fighting for Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun reported that around 300 North Korean soldiers died and approximately 2,700 were wounded. Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed these figures during a briefing. Russia has deployed soldiers, mostly from North Korea’s elite Storm Corps, in regions including Kursk.

Pyongyang’s collaboration with Moscow primarily drives the deployment of these soldiers. This highlights the extent of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. South Korea has previously claimed that Russia sent over 10,000 North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine. This deployment is in exchange for Russia’s technical assistance to North Korea’s weapons and satellite programs. This arrangement has raised concerns internationally, particularly over the lives of the soldiers sent to war as “cannon fodder.”

Soldiers Ordered to Suicide in Ukraine

In addition to the shocking death toll, disturbing reports have surfaced about North Korea’s treatment of its soldiers. Reports reveal that North Korean commanders ordered some soldiers to commit suicide or self-detonate rather than be captured by Ukrainian forces. The memos found on deceased soldiers reportedly indicate that they were pressured by their government to take these extreme actions to prevent being taken as prisoners.

Several captured North Korean soldiers have expressed a lack of understanding about the war they were thrust into. One prisoner, captured by Ukrainian forces, claimed he was told the mission was only “training.” Some soldiers have even attempted to commit suicide before capture, with one soldier reportedly shouting “General Kim Jong Un” before attempting to detonate a grenade. The lack of modern warfare training has also contributed to the high number of casualties, according to the NIS.

Prisoner Exchange and Potential Escalation

Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers. He suggested the possibility of a prisoner exchange, where Kyiv could release the North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. Zelensky also stated that Ukrainian forces could capture more North Korean soldiers in the future.

Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops. However, it is clear that the two countries have significantly increased their military cooperation since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. There are also growing concerns that Russia may soon formalize North Korea’s status as a nuclear power, which could lead to even closer ties between the two nations.

Zelensky’s Call for Dialogue and Future Prospects

In a social media post, President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might explore other options for North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return home. He also hinted at the possibility of diplomatic moves by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, which could bring dialogue between the United States and North Korea back to the table. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un might consider a visit to Russia in 2025, following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in late 2023.

International Concerns Over Human Rights and Military Cooperation

The continuing death toll and reports of mistreatment of North Korean soldiers have raised significant concerns regarding the human rights abuses tied to the war effort. Meanwhile, international scrutiny over the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea continues to grow.