South Korea and Ukraine Explore Options for North Korean POWs

South Korea has expressed a readiness to accept North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, provided they are willing to defect. Approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are reportedly aiding Russia. Concerns are raised surrounding the fate of these soldiers if they return to North Korea, where severe punishments await dissidents.

South Korea and Ukraine are in discussions regarding North Korean soldiers captured during the ongoing conflict. South Korea is willing to accept these prisoners of war but only under the condition that they consent to relocate. During a phone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul conveyed this stance to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, stating that the soldiers would be regarded as South Korean citizens if they choose to defect.

Reports indicate that North Korea has sent approximately 11,000 troops to assist Russia in the conflict, marking a historic engagement for the isolated nation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that around 4,000 North Korean troops had been killed or injured in the Kursk region during Ukraine’s counteroffensive last August. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang have refuted claims of North Korean military involvement, despite their mutual defense agreement established in November.

Earlier this year, Zelensky revealed that his forces had taken two injured North Korean soldiers captive, and in a video shared, one soldier expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine. Additionally, a soldier reportedly informed South Korea’s Chosun newspaper of his intent to seek asylum in South Korea. Concerns persist regarding the fate of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, as defector Pak Yusung highlighted the severe repercussions they face, including possible execution or political imprisonment for their families if they resist or provide intelligence to enemies.

The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine reflect an evolving situation regarding North Korean soldiers involved in the Ukraine conflict. South Korea’s conditional acceptance of these soldiers as potential defectors underscores the serious implications of their involvement. The situation draws attention to the risks faced by North Korean troops in a foreign conflict, particularly regarding their treatment upon capture.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk