In October, several reports suggested that the landing of North Korean troops in Russia to support Moscow had reached significant proportions. Ukrainian forces took this new threat very seriously and even adopted an unusual approach. Soldiers started to learn the Korean language. In response to the increase in soldiers from Pyongyang, Ukraine is now offering them something unprecedented–a “better life.”
The conflict continues to escalate. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russia’s substantial deployment of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. This marks a new phase in the war. Preliminary reports indicate that these forces, numbering around 11,000 troops, are conducting combined assaults alongside Russian units.
Zelensky also cautioned that this strategy could extend to other areas along the front, describing the North Korean intervention as an act of internationalizing the conflict. Additionally, the Kursk region has become a strategic focal point in the ongoing conflict, given that Ukraine has partially occupied the area since August.
North Korea’s role in the conflict. According to Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, North Korean troops are being used in frontal assaults and occupation operations in areas that are under fire from Ukrainian forces. This strategy aims to leverage numerical strength. However, Ukrainian authorities say significant casualties have been reported among North Korean soldiers.
Zelensky recently emphasized that North Korea’s involvement marks a serious escalation in the conflict, which necessitates a more robust global response. What’s Ukraine’s response to this situation?
A call for defection. Ukraine has implemented a strategic campaign to persuade deployed North Korean soldiers to surrender and defect. This initiative is part of the “I Want to Live” program. Originally designed for Russian soldiers, it’s now been extended to North Korean fighters sent by Pyongyang.
To convince North Korean soldiers, Ukraine employs drones and projectiles to distribute leaflets and a series of videos with carefully crafted messages. These communicate the difficult living conditions in North Korea and the allure of a better life outside the regime. The messages promise tangible benefits and dignified treatment for those who choose to surrender.
The promises made. The program offers guarantees of humane treatment, including comfortable accommodations, hot meals, and assistance in starting a new life away from the North Korean regime’s control. The distributed leaflets also contain detailed instructions on how to surrender, emphasizing that Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s founder, would not have approved of his soldiers fighting for Russian “imperialists.”
Additionally, at least one video in Korean has been shared on Telegram. It features a North Korean volunteer in the Ukrainian armed forces encouraging his fellow compatriots to seize this unique opportunity to escape the regime.
According to Euronews, despite Russia offering a monthly payment of around $2,100 for each North Korean soldier, most of this money likely goes to the ruling elite in Pyongyang, leaving the soldiers with little benefit. This detail could make soldiers more receptive to the Ukrainian offer, especially if they’re considering alternatives.
Perspectives and geopolitics. The “I Want to Live” campaign appears to be an innovative approach with a humanitarian angle. The program is aimed at weakening enemy ranks while providing hope to soldiers trapped under authoritarian regimes. By combining clear messaging with practical assistance, the project seeks to undermine international support for Russia in the conflict.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of expectation. President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House reignites discussions of possible peace negotiations. However, Kyiv continues to urge its Western allies to strengthen support ahead of any potential dialogue. Zelensky consistently calls on Europe and NATO to enhance military and political backing for Ukraine.
Image | President Of Ukraine/Flickr
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