1776Reporting
In a bold new tactic aimed at weakening Russian military forces, Ukraine has launched a psychological warfare campaign targeting North Korean soldiers sent to assist Russia in its war effort. The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate is actively appealing to these soldiers, urging them to surrender by showcasing the humane conditions they could expect as prisoners of war (POWs) in Ukraine.
On October 23, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate released a video message titled “Message to the Soldiers of the Korean People’s Army” across its YouTube and Telegram platforms. The video is part of a broader campaign called “I Want to Live (Хочу жить),” a channel typically directed at Russian soldiers, encouraging them to lay down their arms. However, this latest video marks the first time Ukrainian forces have addressed North Korean troops directly.
The video prominently features clips of well-maintained prisoner-of-war camps, where soldiers who surrender would reportedly be housed. As a calm voice narrates in Korean, viewers see comfortable accommodations, including large, warm rooms with individual sleeping areas. The narrator goes on to detail that the POWs would receive three meals a day, which includes meat, fresh vegetables, and bread—a stark contrast to the scarcity these soldiers might be enduring.
A plate of food is shown in the video, accompanied by the voiceover: “You will be housed in large, warm, bright rooms with separate sleeping quarters.” The video continues by highlighting the meals provided, stating, “Prisoners of war receive three meals a day, including meat, fresh vegetables, and bread.” This practical, straightforward appeal speaks directly to the human need for food and warmth, offering a compelling incentive for soldiers who may be far from home, hungry, and unsure of their future.
The video ends with an impactful call to action: “Save yourself, choose life,” followed by a hotline number, QR code, and contact details for soldiers to connect with the Ukrainian government. It’s clear that Ukraine is tapping into the power of psychological warfare, aiming to disrupt enemy forces not through sheer military strength but by planting seeds of doubt and offering an alternative to soldiers who may feel trapped in an unwinnable war.
According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, as of October 23, North Korea has sent about 3,000 troops to Russia, with the number expected to grow to 10,000 by the end of the year. These troops reportedly completed their training in North Korea over the past two months and are now acclimating at Russian military facilities before being deployed to the front lines.
Ukraine’s psychological campaign is a calculated move to exploit vulnerabilities within the North Korean contingent, hoping to convince soldiers that they don’t have to fight and die for a regime far from home. By providing tangible proof of humane treatment, comfortable living conditions, and consistent meals, Ukraine is making an argument that could sway these troops to abandon their posts and seek refuge as POWs.
This psychological offensive is a unique component of Ukraine’s broader strategy in the ongoing conflict, highlighting how modern warfare extends beyond the battlefield. By using both media and humanitarian appeals, Ukraine aims to weaken Russia’s military coalition and undermine the morale of its allies.
As North Korean troops continue to arrive in Russia, Ukraine’s message to them is clear: there is another way out. And with promises of warmth, food, and safety, it’s a message that could resonate with soldiers caught in a fight that isn’t their own.
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