New Video Appeals to North Korean Troops
Ukraine has launched a new video as part of its “I Want to Live” initiative, actively encouraging North Korean soldiers to surrender to Ukrainian forces. The video, presented in Korean, responds to reports of North Korean troops arriving in the combat zones near Russia’s Kursk region.
Promises of Humane Treatment
The video highlights the conditions awaiting surrendering soldiers, emphasizing that Ukraine will abide by the Geneva Conventions. It assures North Korean troops of safe detention, as well as access to food and medical care. The Ukrainian government appeals to the soldiers, stating that they will be treated humanely regardless of their nationality, beliefs, or backgrounds.
First North Korean Units Reported
According to Ukraine’s Defence Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, the initial North Korean military units reportedly reached the conflict zone in Kursk on Wednesday. As tensions escalate, Ukraine aims to persuade these soldiers to reconsider their deployment and choose surrender instead.
Overview of the “I Want to Live” Initiative
The “I Want to Live” project, which began in September 2022, was originally designed to help Russian soldiers voluntarily surrender. The initiative includes a 24-hour hotline, making it easier for combatants to reach out and seek safe passage to Ukrainian forces. Since its inception, it has seen significant participation from those wishing to escape active duty.
Success in Encouraging Surrender
As of June, over 300 Russian servicemen had taken advantage of this initiative to surrender to Ukrainian custody. Andrii Yusov, a representative from Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, noted that the growing number of individuals willing to surrender demonstrates the program’s effectiveness, as many expressed the desire to avoid being exchanged or seek alternative roles within Ukraine’s defense system.
Applications from Military Personnel
Yusov reported that there have been over 35,000 inquiries related to the project, primarily from active Russian military members or individuals fearing conscription. Most of these interested parties want to return to Russia after the conflict, but they wish to protect themselves from being labeled as war criminals. They are classified as captured persons instead of defectors to maintain a secure status.
Limited Access for North Korean Soldiers
North Korean citizens face significant restrictions on information access, as they do not have internet freedom and possess limited technology. Most North Koreans use smartphones, but these devices are heavily monitored, allowing only basic communication and exposure to state-sanctioned content. As a result, accessing the “I Want to Live” project website remains challenging for them.
Final Message to North Korean Soldiers
In its heartfelt appeal, the new video urges North Korean troops to reconsider their fate, warning them against dying “senselessly in a foreign land.” Ukraine emphasizes that they should avoid repeating the tragic outcomes experienced by countless Russian soldiers who never returned home, aiming to instill the hope of safety through surrender.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Defense Post
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