South Korea and Ukraine Engage on North Korean Prisoners of War

South Korea has expressed readiness to accept North Korean POWs captured by Ukraine, but only if they are willing to relocate. Estimates suggest North Korea has deployed around 11,000 soldiers to assist Russia in the conflict, with significant casualties reported. Concern remains regarding the harsh penalties faced by captured soldiers and their families in North Korea.

South Korea has reported its readiness to accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine, conditional upon their willingness to relocate to South Korea. This announcement was made by Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul during a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. The South Korean government has indicated that it would consider these prisoners as citizens if they express an intention to defect.

Ukrainian authorities estimate that North Korea has sent approximately 11,000 soldiers to support Russia in its ongoing conflict, marking a significant involvement of North Korean military in foreign warfare. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in clashes in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a major counterattack last August. Unfortunately, Kyiv has since lost much of the territory it initially regained.

Despite the involvement of North Korean troops, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied their participation in the conflict in Ukraine, even after signing a mutual defense agreement that requires both nations to assist each other in case of an external aggression. In January, President Zelensky reported capturing two wounded North Korean soldiers during the conflict, one of whom expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine. Additionally, one soldier told South Korea’s Chosun newspaper that he sought asylum in South Korea.

The discussions between the foreign ministers of South Korea and Ukraine are driven by growing concerns regarding the fate of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. North Korean defector Pak Yusung warned that captured soldiers face severe repercussions, including harsh punishment for their families, who may be sent to political prison camps or even executed publicly.

In conclusion, South Korea’s willingness to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine reflects a significant diplomatic engagement and raises essential humanitarian considerations. As the involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict becomes increasingly apparent, the fate of these soldiers remains particularly relevant, especially given the severe repercussions they may face upon capture. Continuous dialogue between South Korea and Ukraine on this matter is critical as both sides seek to address the complexities surrounding these prisoners.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk