Ukraine captures North Korean soldiers

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Russia — Kursk Oblast, marking the first time Ukraine has captured North Korean troops alive since their deployment to support Russia. Zelenskyy proposed an exchange of these captured soldiers with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. Western and Ukrainian assessments indicate that approximately 11,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the Russia — Kursk Oblast. South Korea's South Korea — National Intelligence Service reported that North Korean authorities have encouraged their soldiers to commit suicide to avoid capture, with some expecting to join the North Korea — Workers Party of Korea or receive pardons. One of the captured North Korean soldiers expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, while the other wished to return to Korea.