Ukraine and South Korea Negotiate on North Korean Prisoners of War

South Korea proposed collaboration with Ukraine regarding North Korean prisoners of war, offering to accept those who wish to relocate. The involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine’s conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, with over 3,000 reported killed or wounded. Ongoing discussions emphasize a humanitarian approach amidst increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. According to Reuters, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul proposed cooperation during a telephone conversation with Kyiv on Monday, expressing readiness to accept all North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine willing to relocate to South Korea.

The situation is intensified by the involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea. North Korea has dispatched thousands of its military personnel to assist Russian forces, marking their significant engagement in this war since the 1950s.

Minister Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people, indicating their willingness to facilitate the transition of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, should they wish to leave. Statistics reveal that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been reported killed or wounded in the ongoing combat operations in Ukraine as of January 2025.

North Korea’s military participation is realized explicitly through their deployment to Russia’s war efforts, specifically in the Kursk region. The head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korean forces are obtaining valuable combat experience and enhancing their weaponry through cooperation with Russia in this area.

As of early February, losses among North Korean troops in Kursk are substantial, with estimates indicating around 4,000 fallen soldiers according to recent reports from Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite these losses, indications suggest that Pyongyang may be considering sending additional troops to reinforce the Russian military campaign.

In summary, Ukraine and South Korea are addressing the fate of North Korean prisoners of war as South Korea expresses readiness to accept those willing to relocate. As the war escalates, North Korean military involvement has resulted in significant casualties, and ongoing discussions indicate a complex geopolitical situation regarding the treatment and future of these soldiers. The collaboration aims to benefit both nations amid a challenging conflict, showcasing international efforts to manage the humanitarian aspects of war.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua