South Korea has proposed cooperation with Ukraine regarding the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war, offering to accept those captured. The discussions arise as North Korea has sent troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties. South Korean officials reaffirmed their commitment to assist Ukrainian efforts and welcome North Korean soldiers willing to relocate.
South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding the handling of North Korean prisoners of war. During a recent phone call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul proposed that South Korea would be willing to accept North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they express a desire to relocate to South Korea.
Both Ukraine and South Korea, alongside the United States, have noted that North Korea has deployed thousands of its troops to support Russian forces amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks North Korea’s significant military involvement in the region since the Korean War.
Minister Cho emphasized South Korea’s commitment to aiding the Ukrainian populace, stressing that they are prepared to assist North Korean prisoners of war wishing to come to their nation. Reports indicate that as of January 2025, over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have sustained casualties in Ukraine.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff have suggested that despite existing losses, North Korea might still send additional troops to bolster Russian forces. Last year, North Korean troops were dispatched to support Russia, and they have since been noted for their disciplined participation in combat, particularly in the Kursk region.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, revealed that North Korean troops are acquiring operational combat experience and enhancing their weapons systems through their engagement in the conflict alongside Russian forces. Reports indicate that North Korea has suffered approximately 4,000 casualties in the fighting in the Kursk region as of February.
In conclusion, South Korea is actively engaging with Ukraine to discuss the future of North Korean soldiers captured during the ongoing conflict. This initiative reflects South Korea’s broader efforts to support Ukraine and highlights the complex involvement of North Korean forces in the war. The discussions may pave the way for North Korean prisoners of war to seek refuge in South Korea amid their challenging circumstances in Ukraine.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
