Ukraine Open to Talks with South Korea on Captured North Korean Soldiers
Ukraine is open to discussions with South Korea on transferring captured North Korean soldiers, emphasizing their potential risks upon repatriation. The ambassador indicates a willingness to consult on transfer modalities if the soldiers refuse to return home. The article highlights the intricacies of international relations amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty in any negotiations.
The Ukrainian government is willing to engage in discussions with South Korea about the potential transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia. According to Ukrainian Ambassador Dmytro Ponomarenko, formal talks have not commenced, but Ukraine is prepared to collaborate on the soldiers’ transfer if they choose not to return to North Korea, citing risks to their life and freedom upon repatriation.
Ponomarenko indicated that consultations with South Korea would take place to establish the modalities for transferring the soldiers to another country if they refuse to go back to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The soldiers, taken prisoner in mid-January, had been recruited into combat without realizing their deployment’s active nature. During their interrogation, they expressed having been misled about their mission.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed willingness to discuss the soldiers’ potential relocation to South Korea, contingent on the soldiers’ requests. However, should they wish to return to North Korea, the Geneva Conventions would compel Ukraine to comply with their repatriation. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has offered to exchange these soldiers for Ukrainian POWs held by Russia.
Ponomarenko remarked on the sensitivity of prisoner exchange discussions, highlighting the complexities involved due to the lack of acknowledgment by North Korea and Russia regarding the engagement of North Korean troops. He noted that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties in the ongoing conflict, specifically in the Kursk region.
As per the latest intelligence, North Korean military operations in Russia have stalled since mid-January, but confirmation of any troop withdrawal remains pending. The ambassador emphasized that North Korean forces pose an additional challenge for Ukrainian defense efforts against Russian aggression.
Highlighting the broader context, Ponomarenko insisted that Ukraine desires a true peace that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the U.N. Charter. He stressed that negotiations must prioritize Ukraine’s involvement and reject any forms of appeasement or compromise that could undermine regional stability and security.
The article addresses diplomatic relations between Ukraine and South Korea regarding two North Korean soldiers captured while participating in the conflict alongside Russian forces. It provides insights into the ongoing negotiations and complexities surrounding the fate of these soldiers, including potential repatriation issues and international law considerations. Furthermore, the article situates the discussion within the broader context of the war in Ukraine, highlighting Ukraine’s position on sovereignty, peace negotiations, and the impact of North Korean military involvement.
This situation reflects the complexities of international diplomacy in conflict zones. Ukraine’s willingness to discuss prisoner transfer with South Korea underscores the potential for cooperation amid ongoing hostilities. The ambassador’s remarks highlight the importance of sovereignty and the need for genuine peace negotiations that recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
