A suspected North Korean soldier reportedly captured by the Ukrainian military is seen in this undated photo captured from Telegram. (Yonhap)
A suspected North Korean soldier reportedly captured by the Ukrainian military is seen in this undated photo captured from Telegram. (Yonhap)

Ukrainian forces have likely captured a North Korean prisoner of war in what could be the first instance of its kind, a Ukrainian news report has said, as North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine.

Ukraine's special operations troops reportedly took the soldier during operations in Russia's western frontline region of Kursk, the military-focused outlet Militarnyi reported Thursday, without specifying when the incident occurred.

If confirmed, it would mark the first time Ukraine has captured a North Korean soldier engaged in combat, according to Militarnyi.

Some 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia so far, with signs of preparations for further deployment of troops and military equipment, according to South Korean officials. (Yonhap)