Seoul and Kyiv Negotiations on North Korean POW Transfer

Ukraine and South Korea are negotiating the transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict. The South Korean Foreign Minister stated that North Koreans are considered South Korean citizens, but the prisoners must voluntarily wish to relocate. This follows significant losses among North Korean troops deployed to support Russian forces in Ukraine.

On March 17, 2025, discussions between Ukraine and South Korea revolved around the potential transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, convened via telephone to address this matter. Minister Cho emphasized that according to South Korean law, North Koreans are viewed as South Korean citizens; however, the prisoners must voluntarily express a desire to relocate.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured on January 11 during the ongoing conflict in the region. This incident follows the deployment of up to 12,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which aimed to support Russian forces against Ukraine’s border incursions beginning August 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously noted that North Korean combatants suffered approximately 4,000 casualties, with many being fatalities due to poor combat training and experience, compounded by their reliance on human wave tactics and minimal equipment.

In conclusion, the discussions between Ukraine and South Korea regarding the transfer of North Korean POWs indicate a significant diplomatic engagement. The acknowledgment of North Koreans as South Korean citizens underlines the complex legal and humanitarian implications of such transfers. The recent capture of these soldiers and the broader context of North Korean military involvement in the conflict highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com