Kursk, Russia — A diary retrieved from a fallen North Korean soldier in the icy battlefields of Kursk has exposed chilling insights into the indoctrination and sacrifice demanded by Kim Jong Un’s regime.
The notebook, recovered by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF), reflects a blend of unwavering loyalty and Communist propaganda as Pyongyang’s troops bolster Russia’s faltering war effort.
The soldier, identified as 27-year-old Gyong Hong Jong, described his readiness to die for the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. In one entry, he declared:
“All efforts — to complete war preparations! This is the combat slogan that must be raised high on the banner of our armed forces at all levels.”
Despite no mention of Vladimir Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, Jong’s writings reveal a preconditioned mindset of obedience.
He detailed tactics, including using soldiers as live bait to target drones, showcasing the grim strategies employed by North Korean units on Russian soil.
Jong’s deployment was reportedly punitive after he was caught stealing Russian belongings while stationed at a barracks.
His diary also includes a personal note wishing a fellow soldier a happy birthday while lamenting his distance from home.
Footage shared by Ukrainian forces shows North Korean soldiers advancing in chain formation across frozen terrain, where they became easy targets for Ukrainian drones. Reports describe these assaults as “meat grinders,” highlighting the high casualty rates among Pyongyang’s troops.
Ukraine’s SOF confirmed a recent engagement in which its 8th regiment eliminated 13 North Korean soldiers, five in a direct firefight and eight by drone strikes.
The soldiers carried advanced equipment, including a drone detector, indicating officer-level ranks among the fallen.
Russia has attempted to conceal North Korea’s involvement by issuing fake documents identifying Jong as a native of Siberia’s Tuva Republic.
However, classified elements of his diary and other recovered materials directly link Pyongyang to the conflict.
The Pentagon estimates that 11,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops are now stationed in Kursk to offset Russia’s massive losses.
Despite this influx, western intelligence suggests that Moscow’s forces have made minimal territorial gains.
Responding to questions about facing relentless enemy waves, a Ukrainian SOF commander emphasized unity and purpose:
“For us, it’s not about who we fight. It’s about who stands beside us. With my brothers-in-arms and our allies, we will destroy the enemy, no matter where they come from.”
The Kursk incursion marks the first time foreign forces have seized ground within Russia’s borders since World War II.
Kyiv’s elite forces, using tactics comparable to British SAS missions, initially captured 1,400 square kilometres before consolidating control over 800.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Ukraine’s limited armoured counter-attacks continue to thwart Russian and North Korean advances despite heavy casualties on both sides.
As winter deepens and the conflict continues, Jong’s notebook revelations offer a haunting glimpse into the human cost of authoritarian loyalty and the brutal reality of modern warfare.
