Ukraine’s Stance on North Korean POWs: Emphasis on International Law and Cooperation

Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, stated that North Korean POWs will not be used as negotiation tools, emphasizing compliance with international law. He discussed North Korea’s military support to Russia and cautioned about the implications of this collaboration. Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers earlier this year, with discussions ongoing regarding their future.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, made it clear in a Yonhap interview that the issue of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine will not be treated as a bargaining chip for negotiations or exchanges. He stated that the resolution must abide by international law and humanitarian principles, reflecting Kyiv’s stance on this sensitive topic.

Ambassador Ponomarenko emphasized that decisions regarding the future of these soldiers will involve compliance with international law, respect for individual rights, and necessary dialogue between the involved parties. He also remarked that it is currently too early to discuss a timeline for any potential resolutions regarding the captured North Korean military personnel.

Regarding the implications of North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, the ambassador noted that North Korea likely received critical assistance from Moscow in exchange for its military support. He warned South Korea of the long-term risks associated with North Korea’s actions in Ukraine, suggesting that Pyongyang is testing weapons in Ukraine that could later be deployed against South Korea.

Ponomarenko urged South Korea to seek extensive military-technical cooperation with Ukraine, emphasizing mutual interests. South Korea has primarily provided non-lethal and humanitarian aid since the onset of the conflict.

In January 2025, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers who had been wounded. These soldiers were taken to Kyiv, where they underwent interrogation by the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that he would consider an exchange for these soldiers contingent on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un facilitating a reciprocal return of Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia. Furthermore, South Korea has expressed its intention to engage in consultations regarding the potential transfer of these captured North Korean soldiers as appropriate requests are made.

In summary, Ukraine has firmly established its position that North Korean prisoners of war will not be utilized as bargaining tools in negotiations. The matter will be handled in accordance with international humanitarian standards. Moreover, concerns regarding North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia highlight the importance of military-technical cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua