**Ukrainian Troops Capture North Korean Soldiers**
On January 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two North Korean soldiers were captured as prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia‘s Kursk Oblast.
The soldiers were wounded and received medical care. They are now in the custody of Ukraine’s Security Service in Kyiv. President Zelensky praised Ukrainian paratroopers and Special Operation Forces for their success.
**Background on North Korean Deployment**
According to Ukrainian officials, North Korea had sent around 12,000 soldiers to Kursk Oblast. This information is based on intelligence.
In August, Ukraine launched a surprise attack in the area to bring the war closer to Russia.