Ukraine reveals letter from fallen North Korean soldier

Ukraine has released a handwritten letter found on the body of a fallen North Korean soldier in Russia’s Kursk region, shedding light on the growing presence and casualties of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.

The note, written in black ballpoint pen, reads: “Dear Song Ji-myong, my closest comrade in arms, celebrating his birthday here on Russian land, away from our beloved Choson and the embrace of his affectionate father and mother. I sincerely wish you good health and a happy birthday.”

The letter, dated December 9, was believed to be undelivered or a draft. The soldier’s identification card listed his name as Jong Kyong-hong. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces shared a photograph of the note, written in Korean, and confirmed that translations of other seized materials are ongoing.

This revelation comes amid reports from U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian authorities that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in Russia, primarily to aid in regaining territory in Kursk. Ukraine estimates that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the region, while South Korea places the number at around 1,100.

Yevgen Yerin, spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, stated that the involvement of North Korean troops has not yet significantly influenced the battle. “It is not such a significant number of personnel,” Yerin said. “But they are also learning. And we cannot underestimate the enemy.”

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently highlighted the challenges faced by North Korean troops on the battlefield, noting that their inexperience in modern warfare has resulted in heavy casualties. “North Korean troops are being ‘consumed’ for front-line assaults in an unfamiliar battlefield environment of open fields, and they lack the ability to respond to drone attacks,” the agency reported.

Russian forces have reportedly expressed frustration with their North Korean counterparts, calling them a “burden” due to their lack of familiarity with drones.

While neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has confirmed the troop deployment, relations between the two countries continue to strengthen. Reports suggest that North Korea may deploy additional troops and military equipment to Russia, potentially including suicide drones.

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov hinted at further cooperation, suggesting that North Korean troops might participate in Russia’s Red Square parade next year.