Kyiv and Seoul Coordinate on Treatment of North Korean POWs

Kyiv and Seoul are coordinating on the handling of North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine. South Korea has expressed willingness to accept these POWs if they choose to relocate. The involvement of North Korean troops marks a notable military engagement since the 1950s, with thousands reportedly killed or injured in the conflict.

Recent discussions between Kyiv and Seoul have focused on the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, amidst a context where thousands of North Korean troops are believed to have joined Russian forces in Ukraine, marking their first significant military involvement since the Korean War in the 1950s.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized the importance of cooperating with Ukraine regarding the POWs in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. He communicated Seoul’s intention to support the Ukrainian people while expressing that South Korea would be willing to accept any North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine who wish to relocate to South Korea.

Ukrainian military assessments indicate that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been either killed or injured in the conflict by early January 2025. This highlights the extent of North Korea’s commitment to supporting Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, illustrating a significant shift in their military strategy and positioning.

The ongoing discussions between Ukraine and South Korea regarding North Korean POWs underscore the complexities of international military engagement. South Korea’s readiness to accept POWs reflects their stance on humanitarian obligations, while Ukraine’s situation points to a significant involvement of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces. This situation requires careful handling by both nations as they navigate the implications of war and alliance.

Original Source: www.scmp.com