It was roughly in October when various official sources suggested that the landing of North Korean troops on Russian territory to join Moscow was of significant proportions. We also later learned that Ukrainian forces took this new threat very seriously, but the approach was decidedly unconventional: the soldiers were learning the Korean language. Now, in the face of increasing numbers of soldiers from Pyongyang, Ukraine is offering them something unprecedented: “a better life.”

The conflict is escalating. This weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s significant deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region, marking a new escalation in the war. According to preliminary estimates, these forces are participating in joint attacks with Russian troops and the number of soldiers in the region reaches 11 thousand.

Zelensky also warned that this strategy could spread to other parts of the front, describing the North Korean intervention as an act of internationalization of the conflict. In addition, the Kursk region, which has been partially occupied by Ukraine since August, has become a strategic point in the conflict.

North Korea’s role. North Korean troops are being used in preliminary offensives and occupation operations in areas under Ukrainian fire, according to Andrii Kovalenko of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. According to reports from Kiev, this tactic is aimed at taking advantage of numerical strength, although losses in the ranks of North Korea are significant.

As we said, Zelensky emphasized that North Korea’s intervention represents a serious escalation and takes the war to a level that requires a stronger global response. Ukraine’s reaction?

Give it up for a better life. Ukraine apparently waged a thoroughly strategic campaign to persuade deployed North Korean soldiers to surrender and flee. The initiative is part of the “I Want to Live” program, originally designed to facilitate the surrender of Russian soldiers and now expanded to include North Korean fighters sent by Pyongyang.

Like? Using drones and even bullets, Ukraine has been distributing leaflets alongside a series of videos with carefully crafted messages that appeal both to the harsh living conditions in North Korea and the desire for a better life outside the regime. The messages promise tangible benefits and good treatment to those who decide to give up.

Promises. The program offers guarantees of humane treatment, including comfortable accommodation, hot meals, and assistance in starting a new life away from the control of the North Korean regime. The leaflets distributed also included detailed instructions on how to surrender and underlined that North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung would not approve of his soldiers fighting for “Russian imperialists.”

Additionally, at least one Korean-language video was posted on Telegram showing a North Korean volunteer serving in the Ukrainian armed forces encouraging his compatriots to take advantage of this unique opportunity to escape the regime. According to Euronews, although Russia has offered monthly payments of 2,000 euros for each North Korean soldier, much of this money is likely to end up in the hands of the ruling elite in Pyongyang, leaving the soldiers with little or nothing. A detail that could increase soldiers’ sensitivity to Ukraine’s offer, of course, especially if they are looking for an alternative or are hesitant about the alternative.

Perspectives and geopolitics. As it stands, “I Want to Live” reflects Ukraine’s innovative, humanitarian approach to weakening enemy ranks while appearing to offer hope to soldiers trapped under authoritarian regimes. With a combination of clear messaging and practical assistance, the project aims to undermine international support for Russia in the conflict.

All of this has occurred in the context of a wait since Trump’s return to the White House has reignited speculation about possible peace negotiations; but Kiev continues to pressure its Western allies to strengthen its position ahead of any dialogue. In fact, Zelensky does not miss the opportunity to call on Europe and NATO to increase military and political support to the country; He will discuss this issue with European leaders at an important meeting in Brussels soon.

Image | Roman Harak

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