Ukrainian Intelligence Offers Safe Haven to North Korean Soldiers Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a striking message published on Telegram, the Ukrainian Army Intelligence Service (GUR) has extended an offer of protection to North Korean soldiers currently training or preparing to train alongside Russian forces. This declaration coincided with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where intelligence services have been attempting to reach out to possible deserters and collaborators.
The statement, which was made in the Korean language and later reported by the EFE news agency, was addressed directly to the soldiers of the People's Army of Korea who have been dispatched to assist the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
'I want to live,' the message began, urging North Korean soldiers to consider abandoning their posts. It’s a stark appeal to those who may be hesitant about their commitment to the Russian military. The tone of the message is both sympathetic and persuasive, as it encourages them to surrender in order to escape the war that has claimed so many lives.
The GUR emphasized that North Korean soldiers do not need to perish 'senselessly on foreign soil,' and it extended an invitation for them to cross the lines to safety. The message further assured potential defectors that if they manage to reach Ukrainian troops at the front or escape from Russian territory, the Ukrainian military would provide them with food, accommodation, and the care they need.
Alongside the text, Ukrainian intelligence shared a video in Korean showcasing the food rations available and the conditions within Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. The video aims to highlight the better living conditions awaiting those who choose to take this significant step.
Thousands of Russian soldiers, who made a similar decision to desert, are reportedly currently residing in comfortable barracks, where they are guaranteed three meals a day and access to medical assistance. The Ukrainian message reiterated its readiness to accept soldiers of any nationality, religion, or ideology, further attempting to dismantle the stigma surrounding defection.
This outreach comes amid alarming reports that North Korea has sent nearly 12,000 of its soldiers to bolster Russian troops. Approximately 3,000 of these personnel are said to have already arrived in Russia for training, according to intelligence from South Korea.
As the conflict continues, the moves by Ukrainian intelligence underscore both the desperation and the strategic calculations involved in the war, aiming not only to weaken Russian forces but also to potentially turn their allies against them. This unprecedented situation raises questions about loyalty, coercion, and survival on the eve of unprecedented humanitarian crises.
The implications of this unprecedented offer of asylum by Ukraine could resonate far beyond the immediate context, especially as geopolitical tensions persist between North Korea, Russia, and the West.
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