Ukrainian forces found interesting items on the person of a North Korean soldier who lost his life on the battlefield. The most notable among these items were a mobile phone from South Korean electronics giant Samsung and a New Year’s letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The letter praised the soldiers for their service and sacrifice. The letter, released by Ukraine, read: “Comrades! I miss you very much. Please never forget that I always wish you a safe and healthy return.”
Ukrainian army special forces say they killed two North Korean soldiers during an operation targeting Russian military positions in Kursk.
A variety of equipment was seized during the operation, including protective and tactical gear, a rangefinder, a thermal scope, an AK-12 assault rifle with an optical sight and communications devices.
SAMSUNG BRAND CELL PHONE
Among the seized items was an old 2G cell phone with a Samsung logo.
Ukrainian forces also found Korean pronunciation guides for Russian words to use when speaking to Ukrainian soldiers who might be captured. The manuals included phrases that meant “put down your weapons” and “take off your clothes.”
NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM NORTH KOREAN LEADER
Other items seized included a handwritten New Year’s message believed to have been sent by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to his troops. The letter praised the soldiers for their service and sacrifice.
“Comrades! I miss you very much. Please never forget that I always wish for your safe and healthy return,” the letter released by Ukrainian forces said. “You have experienced heartbreaking sacrifices and the joy of costly victories, many noble combat experiences, invaluable true comradeship and patriotism, all far from the motherland,” it read.
“MY DESTINY IS SHARED WITH THE MOTHERLAND” The handwritten letters, written in blue ink and uncovered by Ukrainian special forces, were dated Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 and include Kim’s signature at the end. In addition to Kim’s messages, a small booklet found on the North Korean soldier contained handwritten lyrics to patriotic songs, including one that read, “My fate is always shared with the motherland.” NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS WITHDRAW FROM THE FRONT Recent reports suggest that North Korean troops have withdrawn from the front lines in the Kursk region after suffering significant losses. “Russians are working everywhere along the front, but there are no Koreans. They are either analyzing their mistakes, or healing their wounds, or waiting for reinforcements,” the Ukrainian special forces commander said.
