Ukraine has captured North Korean soldiers, leading South Korea to discuss their treatment. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has offered to accept POWs in South Korea, amidst reports of significant North Korean troop casualties in Russia. This marks North Korea’s first major military involvement in a conflict since the 1950s.
Ukraine has reportedly captured North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, highlighting a significant military involvement by North Korea in the ongoing conflict. The South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, reached out to his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, to discuss cooperation regarding the treatment of these prisoners of war (POWs). There are ongoing assessments indicating that North Korea has sent a substantial number of troops to aid Russian forces in Ukraine, marking its first significant participation in a conflict since the Korean War.
During their conversation, Minister Cho expressed South Korea’s commitment to assisting the people of Ukraine. He stated that South Korea would be open to accepting any North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they choose to relocate to South Korea. This development is notable as it aligns with ongoing evaluations suggesting that over 3,000 North Korean troops have sustained casualties in Russia since early January 2025, as reported by Ukrainian, US, and South Korean intelligence.
The discussions between Kyiv and Seoul regarding North Korean POWs underline the complexities involved in managing foreign military personnel in the context of the Ukraine conflict. South Korea’s willingness to accept these soldiers illustrates its commitment to humanitarian efforts while navigating the geopolitical implications of North Korea’s military engagement. The situation remains fluid as further developments unfold in the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
