South Korea and Ukraine Discuss North Korean Prisoners of War Acceptance

South Korea expresses readiness to accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine, conditional on their willingness to defect. Discussions emphasize the potential citizenship status and the tragic implications for captured soldiers and their families. North Korean troops have reportedly aided Russia, with Ukraine asserting significant casualties among these forces in recent battles.

Recently, officials from South Korea and Ukraine engaged in discussions regarding the North Korean soldiers captured during the current conflict. According to the state news agency Yonhap, South Korea has indicated a willingness to accept these prisoners if they express a desire to move to the nation. During a phone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul communicated with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, affirming that such prisoners would be regarded as South Korean citizens upon expressing their intention to defect.

The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine marks a notable development, with estimates suggesting approximately 11,000 soldiers deployed to support Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that around 4,000 North Koreans had been killed or wounded in the Kursk region, where Ukraine attempted a significant counterattack on Russian forces. Despite this, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, notwithstanding a mutual defense agreement signed last November.

In January, President Zelensky disclosed capturing two wounded North Korean soldiers on the battlefield, with one soldier reportedly expressing a desire to remain in Ukraine. A soldier also communicated with South Korea’s Chosun newspaper, seeking asylum and indicating a willingness to defect. Concerns prevail regarding the treatment of North Korean soldiers who are taken captive, particularly regarding severe repercussions such as punishment or execution for their families, as highlighted by North Korean defector Pak Yusung in an interview with ABC News.

The unfolding dialogue between South Korea and Ukraine highlights the complex situation regarding North Korean soldiers involved in the ongoing war. South Korea’s conditional offer to accept defectors indicates a potential pathway for those wishing to seek asylum, while the harsh realities faced by captured North Korean soldiers further complicate their plight. As the situation develops, the international community remains vigilant regarding the humanitarian implications for these individuals.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk