Ukraine shares insights from a North Korean soldier’s diary, detailing tactics against drones and confessions of theft.

The diary also reveals the soldier’s thoughts on class struggles and a confession about stealing from Russian allies. He mentioned getting caught while pocketing items, saying he thought no one was watching.
He promised to stop stealing and vowed to fight bravely. Other entries express longing for home and praise for Kim Jong Un. One early entry even had a stick-figure drawing titled “How to eliminate a drone.”
The drawing showed a soldier standing while two others aimed at a drone. The soldier wrote that if a drone is spotted, they should gather in groups of three, with one acting as bait. The bait should stay about seven meters away while the others shoot from ten to twelve meters.
He also shared tips on avoiding artillery strikes, suggesting that troops should scatter in small groups when under fire. He believed they could hide in places where artillery had already hit, thinking it wouldn’t strike the same spot again.
While the authenticity of the diary is unverified, it offers a glimpse into how North Korean forces might be adapting their tactics in Russia. Concerns are growing that North Korea could learn valuable lessons from the conflict, especially against Western military equipment.
U.S. officials have noted that North Korea is gaining from Russian military support, making it more capable in regional conflicts. Reports suggest around 12,000 North Korean troops are currently in Kursk, a region that Ukraine targeted last summer.
Although Russia hasn’t confirmed the presence of these troops, Ukraine is trying to highlight North Korea’s involvement. Recently, President Zelenskyy claimed to have captured two North Korean soldiers, although evidence is limited.
He noted that Russian forces often execute wounded North Korean soldiers to hide their involvement in the war. Thousands of North Korean troops are seen as crucial for Russia, which is facing heavy losses in the ongoing conflict.