The WSJ reported on the current location of North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region.

Two North Korean soldiers, captured in January in the Kursk region, are currently receiving medical treatment. They are providing testimonies regarding North Korea's involvement in the war on the side of Russia.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, the North Koreans arrived in Russia last autumn along with 12,000 other military personnel from North Korea. They were ordered to assist Moscow in regaining control over the Kursk region.

After being captured, they were placed in a prison in Kyiv. Pek, who is 21 years old, and Ri, who is 26, are currently undergoing treatment and providing testimonies.

"Pek is injured in both legs. Ri is treating a severely injured arm and has difficulty speaking after a Ukrainian bullet pierced his arm and part of his jaw," the publication states.

According to them, they knew nothing about the war they were sent to. When they arrived in Russia, they were given weapons and told they would be fighting against South Koreans aiding Ukraine. A few days later, they found themselves on the front lines in the Kursk region fighting against Ukrainians.

They were also ordered to avoid captivity at all costs and to detonate themselves if necessary.

In early January, a North Korean unit of 10 men, including Pek, was tasked with blocking a strategic road used by Ukrainian forces. During the operation, the unit came under artillery and drone fire, resulting in Pek being injured and losing consciousness.

Five days later, he was captured by Ukrainian special forces, who provided first aid and food; however, due to gangrene, he had to undergo amputation of several toes. On the same day, Ri was captured as well—the only survivor of a failed assault on Ukrainian positions.

"The bodies of at least five North Koreans were lying nearby in the forest," he said, where he was found in critical condition after injuries to his arm and jaw, the publication reports.

Both Pek and Ri acknowledged that returning to North Korea, where surrendering is considered treason, could be dangerous for them.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Capture North Korean Soldiers

Recall that on January 11, it became known that Ukrainian defenders captured two soldiers from North Korea in the Kursk region. The North Korean soldiers reported significant losses among their contingent.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky published a video of the interrogation of a captive. At that time, the North Korean soldier stated that after being wounded, he spent almost a week on the battlefield before being rescued by Ukrainian forces. Additionally, Zelensky offered North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to take back the captured North Korean soldiers, but with a certain condition.

Recently, a captured North Korean soldier revealed that the North Korean soldiers were transported to the territory of the Russian Federation by ferry and then by train. They were in complete informational isolation.