North Korean Soldiers on the Run: 18 Captured After Fleeing Russian Unit

Reports indicate that 18 North Korean soldiers deployed for operations in Russia have been captured after abandoning their posts.

According to The Kyiv Independent and Ukrainska Pravda on Monday, the soldiers were apprehended by Russian authorities in Komarichi, Bryansk Oblast, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the location where they left their posts on October 16.

Earlier reports had noted that the 18 North Korean soldiers deserted their unit near the border between Kursk Oblast and Bryansk Oblast, just 7 kilometers (approximately 4 miles) from the Ukrainian border. 

The media noted that around 40 North Korean instructors and 50 Russian soldiers were stationed in the Khomutovka area of Kursk Oblast, where they exchanged knowledge on using balloons for military purposes and modern infantry combat tactics.

According to sources, some North Korean soldiers left their posts to search for Russian military command, as they were left alone in the forest for several days without any instructions or food supplies after completing their training.

According to the media, all 40 North Korean soldiers were eventually reassigned from Khomutovka in Kursk Oblast to Luhansk Oblast to participate in offensive operations.