**Ukraine Confirms Capture of Wounded North Korean Soldier**
South Korean intelligence has confirmed that Ukrainian forces captured a wounded North Korean soldier during operations in Russia‘s Kursk Oblast. The confirmation came after a report from Ukraine’s military-focused news outlet Militarnyi on December 26.
According to the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS), they received real-time information sharing with a friendly nation‘s intelligence organization, which confirmed the capture of the wounded soldier. A photo of the soldier has circulated on Telegram, but details about his condition and status remain unclear.
North Korean troops have been stationed in Kursk Oblast since August to bolster Russian forces. Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka on December 20 inflicted heavy casualties, including the destruction of a North Korean mortar unit.
**Russia’s Military Situation**
Russian officers have ordered North Korean units to maintain their positions despite mounting casualties. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported severe logistical challenges for these troops, including a lack of drinking water due to active hostilities.
In other news, Russia launched 24 drones from inside Russia and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Voronezh and Kursk oblasts overnight. Ukrainian law enforcement agents have charged a platoon commander of Ukraine’s 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade with abuse of authority.
**International Developments**
Russia is willing to improve relations with the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, if the United States makes the “first move” in restarting dialogue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this statement on December 26.
Ukrainian officials have also been negotiating with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with a meeting scheduled for January 17.
**Other News**
Some 3,700 tons of low-grade fuel oil have spilled into the Black Sea since two Russian oil tankers were severely damaged in a storm on December 15. Temporary restrictions have been introduced on the operation of Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Kaluga airports due to safety concerns.
Russia’s sabotage groups are trying to gain a foothold and have increased the number of attacks in Kherson Oblast, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on December 26. Ukrainian troops reportedly hit the command post of Russia’s 810th Separate Marine Brigade in the town of Lgov in Kursk Oblast overnight.
The Estlink 2, an undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia, was seriously damaged on Christmas Day. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of sabotage.
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