Ukraine convinces north Korean soldiers to surrender, Russian can't stop this

Ukraine is trying to persuade North Korean troops to surrender rather than fight on Russia's side. Ukrainian security services are using drones and special shells to distribute leaflets and are also filming videos calling for desertion among North Korean soldiers, Euronews reports .

The press secretary of the "I Want to Live" project, Vitaly Matvienko, said that "of course, not everyone wants to fight."

"We know the living conditions in North Korea is not well," he said. "That's why many see this as a chance to escape the regime and go to another country."

The Ukrainian efforts are part of the "I Want to Live" program, which has previously facilitated the surrender of Russian soldiers. Since October 2022, Russia has blocked access to the project's hotline and chatbot, but these services remain accessible via VPN.

North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and U.S. officials.

Ukrainian Ambassador to South Korea Dmitry Ponomarenko told Voice of America that the number could reach 15,000 with rotation every two to three months, and that up to 100,000 North Korean troops could serve in Russia over the course of a year