On March 17, 2025, South Korea and Ukraine engaged in talks regarding the potential transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. South Korean law recognizes North Koreans as citizens, but their consent is necessary for any relocation. North Korean troops had suffered significant losses during their deployment in support of Russia’s actions against Ukraine.
On March 17, 2025, negotiations between Ukraine and South Korea commenced concerning the transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. The discussions were conducted via telephone between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. South Korean law recognizes North Koreans as South Korean citizens, although a prerequisite for transfer is the prisoners’ expressed desire to relocate.
The backdrop to this situation includes the deployment of up to 12,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk Oblast to assist in the conflict against Ukraine’s incursion in August 2024. Ukrainian forces captured the two North Korean soldiers on January 11. Notably, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant casualties among North Korean troops, stating that approximately 4,000 personnel had been lost, predominantly due to fatalities.
Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence, commented on the high casualty rates among North Korean forces, attributing it to their lack of combat experience and reliance on aggressive, albeit poorly equipped, human wave assaults. These factors contribute to the challenges faced by North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict.
In summary, discussions between South Korea and Ukraine regarding the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war represent a significant development in the context of the ongoing conflict involving North Korean forces. This situation highlights the complexities of international relations, as well as the humanitarian considerations involved in the relocation of captured soldiers. The decision ultimately hinges on the willingness of the North Korean POWs to express their intent to relocate to South Korea.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
