Kyiv and Seoul Engage on the Repatriation of North Korean War Prisoners

Diplomats from Ukraine and South Korea discussed the potential repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine. The dialogue underscores the complexities of North Korean involvement in the conflict, with South Korea prepared to accept defectors under its constitutional rights. Current circumstances reveal significant challenges and tensions within the international community.

On Monday, Ukrainian and South Korean diplomats engaged in discussions concerning the fate of North Korean prisoners of war captured during the conflict in Ukraine. This dialogue, reported by Seoul’s Yonhap News Agency, emphasized South Korea’s willingness to potentially repatriate these soldiers, acknowledging their status as South Korean citizens under constitutional provisions.

The significance of these discussions is underscored by the participation of North Korean troops in the escalating conflict, where they have been deployed alongside Russian forces. Since late 2024, these soldiers have become critical in addressing Russia’s manpower shortages due to ongoing military operations. South Korea has previously accepted over 34,000 North Korean defectors since the 1990s, facing possible diplomatic repercussions from both North Korea and Russia in this endeavor.

During a recent phone call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed readiness to accept North Korean prisoners if they indicate a desire to defect. Ukrainian authorities first captured two North Korean soldiers alive in January 2024, and subsequent reports indicated that the Security Service of Ukraine provided medical care to these individuals.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk in October 2024, estimating that approximately 12,000 have been deployed to assist Russian military efforts, with approximately one-third reported injured or killed in combat by late February.

Concerns regarding the implications of North Korean soldier deployment have been expressed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicating that more military personnel and equipment from Pyongyang could be sent to support Russia. Andriy Kovalenko, a member of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, noted that North Korean forces were instrumental in recent Russian advances.

Ukrainian Minister Andrii Sybiha highlighted the discussions with South Korea on social media, emphasizing the risks posed by the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea. In contrast, North Korean defector Yeonmi Park condemned Ukraine for allegedly linking the repatriation process to arms negotiations, asserting that such actions violate international humanitarian laws.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine previously provided an update regarding the capture of North Korean soldiers, expressing gratitude toward Ukrainian military efforts ensuring their safety and healthcare provision amid dangerous circumstances. He emphasized the importance of transparency in the situation, facilitating journalistic access for coverage of these events.

As of now, North Korea has not publicly responded to South Korea’s expressions of willingness to accept its prisoners of war from Ukraine, leaving the future of these diplomatic efforts uncertain.

In summary, the recent discussions between Ukraine and South Korea concerning North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine pose significant implications for international relations and humanitarian law. The willingness of South Korea to repatriate these soldiers reflects the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With North Korea’s silence on the matter, the situation remains in a state of ambiguity, warranting close observation as it develops.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com