The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has taken an unexpected turn with the capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces. Amid the geopolitical fallout, an extraordinary discovery has come to light: a battlefield diary belonging to a North Korean soldier, Gyeong Hong Jong, killed in combat.
This diary offers a rare glimpse into the involvement of North Korean troops in the war, exposing not only their military tactics but also their personal struggles and motivations.
Military tactics: sacrifice to evade drones. One of the diary’s most chilling entries includes a schematic drawing detailing a tactic to evade enemy drones. The strategy involves using one soldier as a decoy to attract the drone, while two others position themselves at strategic distances—23 feet for the decoy and 33 to 40 feet for the shooters—to take it down.
This method demonstrates an unsettling readiness to sacrifice individuals for the greater mission, highlighting the collective mindset instilled in these troops.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the diary also outlines techniques to reduce artillery casualties, such as scattering into small groups and seeking shelter in areas already struck by bombs, assuming they wouldn’t be targeted again. These rudimentary yet pragmatic methods reflect the resourcefulness of soldiers operating under dire circumstances.
Personal confessions: loyalty and survival. Beyond military strategies, the diary reveals the human side of the conflict. The owner confesses to stealing goods from Russian allies to sell, though he promises to cease such actions, vowing to “heroically advance and destroy the enemy.”
He also expresses unwavering devotion to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and a deep longing for his homeland. These reflections provide a poignant glimpse into the psyche of a soldier caught in a brutal and unfamiliar war.
Geopolitical implications. While neither Russia nor North Korea has officially acknowledged their military cooperation, Ukraine has been vocal about North Korea’s involvement. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared images and videos of the captured soldiers, backed by corroboration from intelligence agencies, including South Korea. Despite mounting evidence, Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deny the claims, leaving the true extent of their collaboration shrouded in secrecy.
Image | Ukraine Intelligence | dion gillard
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