South Korea is prepared to accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine, contingent on their willingness to defect. This conversation arises amidst Ukraine’s estimates of 11,000 North Korean soldiers aiding Russia and concerns over their fate if captured.
South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding the treatment of North Korean soldiers captured during the ongoing conflict. According to state news agency Yonhap, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul conveyed that Seoul is prepared to accept these prisoners, provided they express a willingness to relocate to South Korea and declare their intent to defect.
Ukraine estimates that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russia in its war efforts. This involvement marks an unprecedented occurrence of North Korean troops participating directly in an international conflict. Reports indicate that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured during recent engagements in the Kursk area, where Ukrainian forces conducted a significant counteroffensive in August.
Despite the claims from Ukraine, both Moscow and Pyongyang have refuted the presence of North Korean military personnel in the war. The denial follows a mutual defense agreement signed last November between the two countries, which obligates them to support each other in the event of an external attack. In January, President Zelensky mentioned the capture of two wounded North Korean soldiers from the battlefield, who indicated a desire to remain in Ukraine.
One of these soldiers reportedly expressed to South Korean media that he sought to defect and queried whether he would be granted asylum. This dialogue between the foreign ministers arises amidst significant concern over the potential consequences for captured North Korean soldiers. According to defector Pak Yusung, if these soldiers divulge information to the enemy, their families face severe repercussions, including imprisonment and execution.
In summary, South Korea is willing to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine on the condition that they wish to defect. This discussion occurs against the backdrop of allegations of North Korean military involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The situation raises critical concerns regarding the safety and fate of captured soldiers and their families amidst potential punitive actions from the North Korean regime.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
