The last written notes of a North Korean soldier have revealed how Pyongyang’s troops are being used as “bait” to lure out and shoot down Ukrainian drones.

North Korean regular troops entered the war on Russia's side in October, according to Kyiv and its western allies, who initially estimated their numbers at 10,000 or more. In a post on X, Zelenskiy said that the soldiers had been brought to Kyiv and were communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine,

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

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)

And while initially inexperienced on the battlefield, North Korean troops have adapted quickly — a development that could have far-reaching consequences as they gain combat knowledge in the war against Ukraine.