Ukraine is actively engaging in efforts to persuade North Korean soldiers to surrender rather than fight alongside Russia in the ongoing conflict.
Distribution of Leaflets and Videos
Ukrainian intelligence services have resorted to distributing leaflets via drones and projectiles, as well as creating videos aimed at urging North Korean troops to desert their positions, as reported by Euronews.
The "I Want to Live" Project
Vitality Matvienko, a spokesperson for the "I Want to Live" project, emphasized that not all individuals among the North Korean troops are willing to engage in combat. Many soldiers view this situation as an opportunity to escape the oppressive regime in North Korea and seek refuge in another country.
Joint Efforts Underway
Under the umbrella of the "I Want to Live" project, Ukraine has been actively involved in convincing Russian soldiers to surrender. Despite Russia blocking access to its hotline and chatbot in October 2022, the service remains accessible in the country through VPN.
Deployment of North Korean Troops
Reports from officials in South Korea, Ukraine, and the US indicate that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, suggested that the number of North Korean soldiers involved could potentially reach 15,000, with troops being rotated every two to three months, resulting in a cumulative total of 100,000 North Korean troops serving in Russia within a year.
Leaflets and Surrender Instructions
The leaflets distributed by Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project contain messages discouraging North Korean soldiers from fighting for the Russian cause. They also provide detailed instructions on how to surrender, along with assurances of benefits and guarantees for prisoners of war.
Humanitarian Treatment and Support
Ukraine has been vocal about the humane treatment it promises to provide to all surrendered soldiers. A video shared on the project's Telegram channel featured a North Korean volunteer in the Ukrainian armed forces encouraging his compatriots to seize the opportunity for a new life in Ukraine, promising support, employment opportunities, and a chance for a decent livelihood.
Assurances and Facilities
In a statement released by Ukraine's military intelligence agency in October, promises were made of comfortable accommodations and warm meals for North Korean soldiers who choose to surrender. Additionally, a Korean-language video showcasing the conditions of prisoner-of-war camps and the meals served there was published.
South Korean intelligence estimates suggest that Russia may be providing around $2,000 per month for each soldier, although experts like Bruce W. Bennett from RAND suspect that the funds might be directed towards North Korea's ruling elite rather than the soldiers themselves.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: tspirlet@insider.com (Thibault Spirlet)
Title: Ukraine Encourages North Korean Soldiers to Surrender Amidst Conflict with Russia
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-makes-videos-leaflets-convince-north-korea-troops-surrender-russia-2024-12
Published Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:31:34 +0000
Related posts:
South Korea warns North Korean troops will become ‘cannon fodder’ in Russia’s war against Ukraine
North Korea’s Arms Factories Operating at Full Capacity for Russia’s War Efforts, Says South Korea
South Korea Appoints Former North Korean Diplomat as High-Ranking Government Official
Russia Equips Tanks with Jamming Tech to Counter Exploding Drones in Ukraine Conflict
Leave a Reply