This photo, released by Ukraine's special operations forces, shows a diary entry written by Jeong Kyeong-hong, a North Korean soldier killed in action in Russia. (Yonhap)
This photo, released by Ukraine's special operations forces, shows a diary entry written by Jeong Kyeong-hong, a North Korean soldier killed in action in Russia. (Yonhap)

Ukraine's military on Saturday disclosed the diary of a North Korean soldier killed in action in Russia's western front-line region of Kursk.

Ukraine's special operations forces said the diary belonged to Jeong Kyeong-hong, equivalent to a private under South Korea's military ranking system.

"The crime I committed cannot be forgiven but my fatherland gave me a new opportunity in life," Jeong wrote in an entry, noting he betrayed the North's ruling party after being given the opportunity to be promoted to platoon sergeant major.

"If we win here and return to the fatherland, I will make a petition to the mother party," he added, without elaborating on what the petition will be.

The diary suggests North Korea likely sent convicts among the troops it deployed to Russia to fight against Ukraine, with a possible promise to grant them a pardon upon their return.

"In this operation, I will run at the front of the line and follow the orders of comrade commander-in-chief unconditionally and thoroughly even if I have to give up my life," Jeong wrote. (Yonhap)