Ukraine and South Korea Engage in Talks on Repatriation of North Korean Soldiers

South Korea and Ukraine are discussing the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine. South Korea is willing to accept POWs, while interviews reveal their service in military intelligence, not special forces. None have requested transfer yet.

Recent discussions between South Korea and Ukraine have centered on the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. These talks were reported by Yonhap News Agency, highlighting the willingness of South Korea to accept two prisoners of war (POWs) if they express a desire to relocate to South Korea.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul communicated via phone with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, regarding this matter. It is important to note that, under South Korea’s constitution, the entirety of the Korean Peninsula is regarded as South Korean territory, which maintains a view that all North Korean residents are considered South Korean citizens.

So far, there has been no indication that any of the captured North Korean soldiers have requested transfer to South Korea. On February 19, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo published interviews with two of the captured soldiers, identified as Ri, 26, and Baek, 21. Both individuals confirmed their service in the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), rather than in the previously speculated special operations forces.

The RGB serves as North Korea’s military intelligence agency. While the exact unit affiliations of the captured soldiers are not confirmed, the RGB consists of various units, including units 180, 91, and 525. It remains plausible that due to military reforms, some RGB intelligence units might have been integrated into or placed under the command of special operations forces during the hostilities in the Kursk oblast.

In summary, discussions between South Korea and Ukraine regarding the repatriation of captured North Korean soldiers are ongoing, with South Korea expressing readiness to accept POWs seeking to return. The interviews conducted with the captured soldiers reveal their affiliation with military intelligence rather than special operations forces. Further developments will determine the course of action regarding their repatriation.

Original Source: mil.in.ua