North Korean Soldiers Detained in Kursk Oblast After Fleeing Posts

After undergoing training, the 18 soldiers were left in a forested part of the Kursk Oblast for several days without food or clear instructions.

Kyiv: Russian authorities have arrested 18 North Korean soldiers who deserted their positions in the Kursk Oblast, according to a military intelligence source quoted by the Kyiv Independent on October 21.

North Korea, a key ally of Russia, is reportedly preparing to send approximately 11,000 troops to aid Moscow in its war against Ukraine, with some already arriving, according to Ukrainian officials. On October 15, Suspilne reported that 18 North Korean soldiers had deserted their posts in areas near the Ukrainian border, based on unnamed intelligence sources.

Hromadske provided additional details, noting that about 40 North Korean troops had traveled to Russia to share military expertise with Russian forces. After undergoing training, the 18 soldiers were left in a forested part of the Kursk Oblast for several days without food or clear instructions. By October 14, the soldiers abandoned their positions in search of their Russian command.

Two days later, Russian authorities apprehended the missing soldiers about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from where they had initially deserted.

South Korean officials confirmed the transfer of North Korean military personnel to Russia, while U.S. Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Michael R. Turner cautioned that such actions could cross a “red line” for the United States and NATO, urging prompt intervention.

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On October 18, a video emerged online allegedly showing North Korean soldiers in a Russian military camp receiving equipment and preparing for deployment in Ukraine.

Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has intensified, including significant shipments of artillery shells and ballistic missiles from Pyongyang to Moscow since the full-scale war began.

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