War in Ukraine: Moscow denounces American sanctions, North Korean soldiers imprisoned in kyiv… update on the situation

Moscow denounces new sanctions from Washington

Russia denounced on Saturday new United States sanctions against its energy sector, while promising to continue the implementation of its major gas and oil projects.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the punitive measures announced by Washington on Friday as “attempt to inflict at least some damage on the Russian economy, even at the risk of destabilizing global markets, as the end of Joe Biden’s inglorious mandate approaches.” He added that Moscow would retaliate for these actions “hostiles“.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed these sanctions targeting in particular the companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz as well as 183 ships used for the transit of Russian oil to India or China. “The less money Russia makes from oil […]the sooner peace will be restored”and declared by Volodymyr Zelensky.

Two North Korean soldiers captured and taken prisoner by kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that his troops had taken prisoner, in the Russian region of Kursk, two North Korean soldiers who were transferred to kyiv where they are being interrogated.

“These are two soldiers who, although injured, survived and were transported to kyiv where they are speaking with SBU investigators”the Ukrainian security services, Mr. Zelensky said on Telegram, accompanying his message with photos of the two suspected soldiers in custody.

“It was not an easy task: usually the Russians and other North Korean soldiers finish off their wounded and do everything to erase evidence of the participation of another state, North Korea, in the war against ‘Ukraine”he continued, adding that the press will be able to question them later.

The leader accompanied his message with photos of the two suspected soldiers in custody. One of them has visible bandages around his hands, the other around his chin. According to Zelensky, these prisoners receive “all necessary medical assistance”. He claimed to have ordered the SBU to provide press access to detainees: “The world needs to know what’s happening.”he indicated.

At the end of December 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky declared that very seriously injured North Korean soldiers had died in Ukraine after being taken prisoner. According to kyiv, 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including around 500 officers, are in the Kursk region, of which the Ukrainian army has occupied several hundred square kilometers since August. Neither Russia nor North Korea have confirmed the presence of this contingent.