South Korea is willing to accept North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine if they express a desire to defect. Ukraine estimates around 11,000 North Korean troops have aided Russia, with thousands reportedly killed or injured. Discussions between officials address the dire consequences faced by captured soldiers and their families in North Korea.
South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine concerning the fate of North Korean prisoners of war. According to state news agency Yonhap, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul conveyed to his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, the country’s readiness to accept these captured soldiers, provided they express a desire to relocate to South Korea.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine estimates that nearly 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to support Russia’s military efforts. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first instance of North Korean troops engaging in a foreign war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky further reported that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured during the conflict, particularly in the Kursk region.
Despite the escalating tensions, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the presence of North Korean forces in Ukraine, even after formalizing a mutual defense agreement last November. Recently, President Zelensky mentioned that his forces had captured two North Korean soldiers, one of whom expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine.
A North Korean soldier reportedly communicated with South Korea’s Chosun newspaper, indicating his willingness to defect and inquiring about the possibility of asylum. The discussions between the South Korean and Ukrainian foreign ministers reflect growing concerns regarding the treatment of North Korean soldiers captured in the ongoing war.
Pak Yusung, a defector from North Korea, highlighted the severe consequences faced by captured soldiers, warning that their families might suffer harsh punishments or even execution in public if they divulge information to enemy forces.
In conclusion, the dialogue between South Korea and Ukraine regarding North Korean prisoners of war underscores significant humanitarian and geopolitical concerns. South Korea’s openness to accept defectors reflects its commitment to human rights. The situation remains delicate, with ongoing tensions and risks for captured soldiers in Ukraine and their families back home in North Korea.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
