Ukraine and South Korea Collaborate on North Korean Prisoners of War
South Korea has proposed cooperation with Ukraine regarding North Korean prisoners of war, expressing readiness to accept them if they wish to relocate. North Korea’s military involvement in the Ukraine conflict has reportedly resulted in substantial casualties among its forces. The situation highlights the complex dynamics between North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine in the ongoing war.
South Korea has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war, expressing readiness to accommodate them within its territory. During a recent telephone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul requested collaboration with Kyiv on this matter, highlighting South Korea’s willingness to receive any North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict.
Minister Cho Tae-yul noted that his country could accept all North Korean soldiers wishing to relocate to South Korea. Reports indicate that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, marking its significant military involvement in the region since the 1950s.
Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian population and confirmed readiness to help North Korean prisoners of war who express interest in relocating. Ukrainian officials reported over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been either killed or injured in combat in Ukraine by January 2025.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated that North Korea might continue sending additional troops to Russia, even after suffering substantial losses. The involvement of North Korean military forces in the conflict escalated last year when Pyongyang deployed troops to the front lines in the Kursk region.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, North Korean troops are acquiring combat experience and enhancing their weaponry through collaboration with Russian forces. He noted that Russia has successfully upgraded North Korea’s KN-23 missiles, enhancing their targeting accuracy. Reports indicate North Korean forces experienced approximately 4,000 fatalities in the ongoing clashes in Kursk as of early February.
The discussions between Ukraine and South Korea signal a cooperative effort concerning North Korean prisoners of war, with South Korea prepared to accept those wishing to relocate. As North Korean troops bolster Russian forces in Ukraine, they suffer significant losses while acquiring new combat experience. The involvement of these troops underscores the ongoing dynamics of international military alliances in the conflict.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
