Ukraine captures North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, leading South Korea to discuss their treatment with Kyiv. South Korea expresses readiness to accept defectors, while over 3,000 North Korean soldiers are reported killed or injured in the conflict.
Ukraine has reported capturing North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, amidst a larger context of North Korean troop deployments to assist Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks North Korea’s significant military involvement in a war since the Korean War in the 1950s. The situation has prompted discussions between South Korea and Ukraine regarding the treatment of these prisoners of war (POWs).
During a recent telephone call between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Cho emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the situation of North Korean POWs. He reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to extending support to Ukraine and expressed Seoul’s readiness to accept any North Korean soldiers who wish to defect to South Korea. According to Ukrainian sources, it is estimated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been either killed or injured in Russia by early January 2025.
In summary, the ongoing conflict has led to the capture of North Korean soldiers by Ukraine, prompting diplomatic discussions between Kyiv and Seoul. South Korea has expressed its willingness to accommodate these POWs, remaining supportive of Ukraine during this challenging time. As the situation evolves, effective handling of North Korean POWs remains a critical humanitarian and diplomatic concern for both nations.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
