Kyiv and Seoul Collaborate on North Korean POW Management
Kyiv and Seoul are collaborating on the management of North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine. South Korea is prepared to accept defecting soldiers, highlighting significant casualties identified among North Korean troops engaged in the conflict.
Kyiv and Seoul are currently engaged in discussions regarding the management of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine claims to have apprehended North Korean soldiers operating in the Kursk region of Russia, amidst reports of significant casualties among these troops.
South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, emphasized the need for collaboration with Ukraine in addressing the situation of North Korean POWs during a recent phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. This marks South Korea’s initiative to support Ukrainian efforts and plan a systematic approach to the handling of captured North Korean soldiers.
Reports indicate that North Korea has sent a substantial number of military personnel to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, a notable escalation in its military involvement since the Korean War. Cho highlighted South Korea’s commitment to aid the Ukrainian populace and confirmed that the country is willing to accept any captured North Korean soldiers who express the desire to relocate to South Korea.
As of early January 2025, Ukrainian authorities estimate that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have either been killed or injured in Russia, reflecting the dire circumstances faced by these troops amid the ongoing conflict. These developments underscore the complexities surrounding the treatment and potential repatriation of North Korean military personnel.
The ongoing discussions between Kyiv and Seoul focus on the fate of North Korean POWs captured during the conflict in Ukraine. South Korea’s commitment includes offering repatriation to any North Korean soldiers wishing to return. The casualty rates among North Korean troops signify serious implications for both countries involved.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
