**300 North Korean Soldiers Killed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast**
At least 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and another 2,700 wounded fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This is according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which reported the information on January 13.
**Casualties Due to Lack of Understanding of Modern Warfare**
The NIS attributed the high casualties to the soldiers’ “lack of understanding of modern warfare.” They were unable to shoot down long-range drones, which were used by Russian forces. The North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk Oblast last fall to support Russian forces in countering a Ukrainian incursion.
**Ukraine Captures Two North Korean Soldiers**
On January 11, Ukraine announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast. The prisoners of war (POWs) are now in the custody of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and receiving medical care. In a video shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky, one soldier expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while the other said he wished to remain in Ukraine.
**Zelensky Calls for Exchange**
President Zelensky has called for an exchange of Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia for the two captured North Korean soldiers. If the exchange is successful, it would allow the North Korean soldiers who do not want to return to stay in Ukraine.
**Sweden Increases Military Presence**
In response to suspected sabotage of several underwater cables, Sweden will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea through the deployment of three warships and a radar reconnaissance aircraft.