Discussions on the Fate of North Korean POWs Between Kyiv and Seoul

Ukraine has captured North Korean soldiers, prompting South Korea to seek collaboration on their handling. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed a willingness to accept North Korean POWs wishing to relocate to South Korea. Approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured in the conflict thus far.

Ukraine has reported capturing North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, amid assessments indicating many more have been killed or injured. South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, has reached out to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss the situation concerning North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). This marks North Korea’s first significant military involvement in a conflict since the Korean War in the 1950s, with thousands of North Korean troops reportedly supporting Russian forces in Ukraine.

During the recent conversation, Minister Cho emphasized South Korea’s commitment to support the Ukrainian people. He also confirmed that South Korea would be willing to accept any North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they express a desire to relocate to South Korea. Recent estimates from Kyiv suggest that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in Russia as of early January 2025, highlighting the tragic scale of the conflict.

The discussions between Kyiv and Seoul underline the urgent need for a clear plan regarding the handling of North Korean POWs. South Korea’s offer to accept these individuals reflects its humanitarian approach amidst a complex geopolitical scenario. The situation illustrates the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as the implications for North Korean military involvement.

Original Source: www.scmp.com