Ukraine and South Korea Explore Fate of North Korean Prisoners of War

South Korea has proposed to Ukraine to collaborate on accepting North Korean prisoners of war. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul assured readiness to receive these soldiers should they wish to relocate. Reports also indicate North Korea’s significant troop involvement in support of Russia in Ukraine, resulting in notable casualties and military improvements.

South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding the potential collaboration in the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. Reports indicate that South Korea is prepared to accept these individuals on its territory, as expressed by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul during a recent telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart.

Minister Cho Tae-yul affirmed South Korea’s willingness to accept all North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict, should they express a desire to relocate to South Korea. This offer coincides with claims from Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russian forces engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since the 1950s.

Cho reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian populace. He emphasized that South Korea stands ready to assist North Korean prisoners of war if they indicate a willingness to move to South Korea. As of January 2025, reports suggest that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have either been killed or wounded in Ukraine.

Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff have reported that North Korea may continue to send additional troops to assist Russia despite suffering significant losses and capturing soldiers. During the conflict, North Korean military personnel are believed to have gained valuable combat experience and improved their military technologies through their engagement with Russia in the Kursk region.

Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov mentioned that North Korean forces have notably advanced their weapons systems, including improvements to the accuracy of their KN-23 missiles, through collaboration with Russia. Reports indicate that by early February, North Korean troops had sustained losses of approximately 4,000 soldiers while participating in hostilities in the Kursk region.

In conclusion, South Korea’s proposal to accept North Korean prisoners of war highlights an evolving geopolitical dynamic, with significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The collaboration underscores South Korea’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian efforts while reflecting on the participation of North Korean forces in the war, which has accelerated after decades of dormancy. The situation remains fluid as North Korea continues to send troops and face substantial casualties in the conflict.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua