North Korean soldiers sent to bolster Russia’s forces are resorting to extreme measures. One recently detonated a grenade and blew himself up to avoid getting captured by Ukrainian troops.

"Ukraine is ready to hand over his people to Kim Jong Un if he can organize their exchange for our soldiers who are held captive in Russia. For those North Korean soldiers who do not want to return, there may be some other ways.

After Ukraine reported capturing two North Korean soldiers fighting with Russian troops, President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a prisoner exchange. The Kremlin has refused to comment. Clare Sebastian reports.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.

South Korea’s spy agency has told lawmakers that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk border region haven’t expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea.

Ukraine's security service released footage purportedly showing two North Korean soldiers following their capture in Russia's Kursk region. (Credit: Security Service of Ukraine)

In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy said he had instructed Ukraine's security service to allow journalists access to the captured soldiers.