South Korea is collaborating with Ukraine to address the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has proposed accepting North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. Reports indicate that these soldiers are involved in the current conflict, marking North Korea’s first active participation in such a war since the 1950s, with significant casualties reported.
The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine focus on the welfare of North Korean prisoners of war. South Korea has proposed to Ukraine a collaborative approach for the treatment of these prisoners and has expressed readiness to accept them within its borders if they desire to relocate.
On a recent phone call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul presented this proposal, emphasizing that South Korea stands prepared to accommodate North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. He highlighted the condition that these individuals must express interest in moving to South Korea.
Reports from Kyiv and its allies, the United States and South Korea, suggest that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to bolster Russian forces in Ukraine, marking North Korea’s notable first engagement in the conflict since the 1950s. Minister Cho reiterated South Korea’s commitment to support Ukraine in this challenging situation and assist North Korean POWs willing to transfer.
As of January 2025, Ukraine has reported that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had either perished or sustained injuries during the ongoing conflict. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff also mentioned the potential for North Korea to deploy more troops to Russia, despite its substantial casualties and captured soldiers.
Last year, North Korea dispatched military personnel to Russia for participation in the war against Ukraine. Currently, these troops are reportedly being trained and monitored while they engage in combat within the Kursk region, which is under Russian control.
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, conveyed that the North Korean military is acquiring vital combat experience which is beneficial for improving their weapon systems through collaboration with Russian forces. It has also been stated that Russia has enhanced the accuracy of North Korea’s KN-23 missiles during their involvement in the conflict.
By early February, North Korean forces are estimated to have endured approximately 4,000 fatalities in the ongoing fighting in Kursk.
The ongoing dialogues between South Korea and Ukraine regarding North Korean prisoners of war reflect a significant humanitarian and geopolitical effort amidst the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. South Korea’s readiness to accept these prisoners signifies a collaborative approach to international relations, highlighting the growing involvement of North Korea in the war alongside Russian forces. The casualty figures indicate severe losses for North Korean troops now engaged in combat, raising concerns over their military engagement in such a conflict.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
