South Korea and Ukraine Engage in Talks Over North Korean POW Repatriation
South Korea and Ukraine’s foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of North Korean POWs on March 17, acknowledging their status as South Korean citizens. The POWs expressed intentions to defect to South Korea. Discussions also encompass military dynamics in the region, illustrating the complexity of the matter.
On March 17, South Korea and Ukraine’s foreign ministers communicated regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) detained by Ukraine. According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, these POWs are recognized as South Korean citizens under national law, highlighting the importance of their status during discussions.
During the call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul informed Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha that captured North Korean soldiers, under South Korean law, can be accepted for defection if they express the desire to do so. This significant legal perspective sets the framework for handling the POW situation.
Reports surfaced on February 19 that the prisoners, who had served as a sniper-scout and shooter, sought asylum in South Korea during an interview with Chosun Ilbo. Their expressed intent further complicates the geopolitical implications surrounding their status and potential return.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about military movements, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from Sudzha while maintaining forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, as well as the status of North Korean military personnel and Ukraine’s assessments of North Korea’s support for Russian military efforts.
The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine reflect significant legal and humanitarian considerations regarding the status of North Korean POWs. Recognizing them as South Korean citizens under only South Korean law could lead to potential defection acceptance. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics emphasize the complexity of POW repatriation and asylum scenarios amid the regional tensions.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
