Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of incinerating the faces of fallen North Korean soldiers deployed on the front lines to conceal their identities. Zelenskyy released a video on his official Telegram channel to support these claims.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian media outlet RBC reported that Zelenskyy posted a 30-second video in which he makes the accusation. The footage shows part of what is believed to be a body burning in a mountainous area, with a silhouette of another person visible nearby.
The video also features English subtitles, which state, “Russia is trying to hide the faces of North Korean soldiers even after they are dead.” The video includes a scene where an individual, presumed to be a North Korean soldier, waves his hand and says “No, no” while walking away from the camera.
In addition, the video includes Russian-language conversations, with subtitles translating phrases like “Put on the mask” and “No one here knows anything.”
Zelenskyy also shared footage showing a close-up of a soldier’s face, who is believed to be one of the North Korean soldiers stationed on the Ukrainian frontlines.
Based on this video, Zelenskyy argued that Russia is not only hiding the involvement of North Korean soldiers in attacks on Ukraine’s defensive positions but also attempting to cover up the casualties resulting from these engagements. He stated, “North Korean soldiers are prohibited from showing their faces even during training,” adding, “After fighting with us, the faces of fallen North Korean soldiers are being burned.”
Zelenskyy emphasized that these actions are “a clear demonstration of the inhumane practices widespread in Russia.” He concluded, “We must end this through accountability for Russia and the pursuit of a trustworthy and lasting peace.”