Ukrainian media outlet Kyiv Independent reported on the 21st (local time) that 18 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been detained by Russian authorities. According to the report, they deserted their posts on the 14th after not receiving food for several days.
A video released by the Ukrainian Strategic Communication Center (SPRAVDI) shows dozens of suspected North Korean soldiers receiving supplies, including military uniforms, from Russian personnel. The video also features voices speaking in a North Korean accent saying, “Don’t cross over” and “Come out, hey.”
Kyiv Independent, citing military intelligence sources, reported that the Russian authorities detained 18 North Korean soldiers who had deserted from their posts in Kursk Oblast, Russia. The soldiers had been left in a forest in Kursk without food or instructions after completing their training in Russia. They deserted their posts on the 14th to seek the Russian military command.
The media outlet stated that the soldiers were found about 60 kilometers from their post and subsequently detained by Russian authorities. Their desertion appears to have been an attempt to secure food due to supply issues. Earlier reports from Ukrainian media, citing sources, mentioned that the 18 North Korean soldiers deserted their unit 7 kilometers from the Ukraine border, between Kursk and Bryansk Oblasts. At that time, the exact affiliation and reasons for their desertion were not known.
The National Intelligence Service reported on the 18th that North Korea recently decided to deploy a force of 12,000 troops, including four brigades of special forces, to the Ukrainian war. It was confirmed that around 1,500 North Korean special forces troops were transferred to Vladivostok, Russia, from areas near Chongjin, Hamhung, and Musudan, with plans for a second transfer operation underway. It is not yet clear if the deserters are part of these special forces.