Kyiv and Seoul Engage on Repatriation of North Korean POWs in Ukraine
Ukrainian and South Korean diplomats discussed the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine, highlighting South Korea’s willingness to accept them while addressing potential diplomatic repercussions with North Korea and Russia. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict underscores the complexities of the situation, with significant casualties reported on both sides.
On Monday, Ukrainian and South Korean diplomats had a discussion regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, as reported by Seoul’s Yonhap News Agency. Newsweek reached out to both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the South Korean embassy in the United Kingdom for comments outside of business hours.
The importance of this dialogue stems from the increasing involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine, particularly since late 2024, as Russia faces a manpower shortage. South Korea has historically provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and may encounter backlash from both North Korea and Russia if it chooses to accept Pyongyang’s prisoners of war.
During the call, South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, confirmed the nation’s willingness to take in North Korean soldiers, as they are recognized as South Korean citizens under the constitution. Cho indicated that if these soldiers wish to defect, they will be welcomed by Seoul.
Following the capture of two North Korean soldiers in January, who received medical care after being taken by the Security Service of Ukraine, it was noted that despite their capture, they did not express a desire to seek asylum in South Korea. In addition, Ukraine reported significant casualties among the North Korean troops deployed alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war.
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine has been acknowledged in NATO communications, with estimates indicating that up to 12,000 troops may have been sent to assist Russian combat operations. Recent reports suggest approximately one-third of those deployed have been injured or killed during conflicts in Ukraine.
Discussions from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff highlighted that additional troop deployments from North Korea to support Russia are likely.
In a recent communication on social media, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, expressed gratitude towards South Korea for its solidarity and emphasized the significant risks posed by the strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea.
Critics, including North Korean defector Yeonmi Park, have voiced concerns regarding Ukraine’s actions related to the repatriation of these prisoners. She claimed that linking the repatriation to arms trade violates international law and humanitarian principles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared information regarding their capture, stressing that the soldiers received medical assistance and acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding their capture due to threats from North Korean and Russian forces.
As of now, North Korea has not publicly addressed South Korea’s offer to accept the prisoners of war, and the next steps remain uncertain.
The ongoing discussions between Ukrainian and South Korean officials highlight the complexities surrounding North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine. South Korea’s willingness to accept these soldiers raises potential diplomatic tensions with both North Korea and Russia. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the implications surrounding this sensitive issue. Moreover, the ramifications for humanitarian law and international relations are significant and warrant careful consideration.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
