Seoul and Kyiv Engage in Negotiations for Transfer of North Korean POWs
Ukraine and South Korea are in talks about transferring two North Korean POWs, captured by Kyiv. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized that such prisoners must express a desire to relocate, as they are considered South Korean citizens. The discussion is framed against the background of North Korean troops supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, suffering significant losses.
On March 17, 2025, discussions between Ukraine and South Korea focused on the transfer of two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Kyiv. South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, engaged in a phone conversation regarding this matter. In accordance with South Korean Constitution, North Koreans are recognized as South Korean citizens; however, the prisoners must indicate their willingness to relocate.
The backdrop of this negotiation includes the deployment of up to 12,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk Oblast last autumn, aimed at assisting in military operations against Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces captured the two North Korean soldiers on January 11. Furthermore, a report from President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that North Korean units allied with Russia experienced approximately 4,000 casualties, with substantial fatalities among the soldiers involved.
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, attributed the significant losses of North Korean troops to their lack of combat experience, which involved employing human wave tactics accompanied by limited equipment. This situation underscores the ongoing complexities of military alliances and conflicts within Eastern Europe.
In summary, South Korea and Ukraine are negotiating the transfer of North Korean POWs, reflecting their complex diplomatic relationships. The context of this discussion includes the deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by these soldiers. Additionally, the negotiations are steeped in legal considerations pertaining to the status of North Koreans under South Korean law.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
