Ukraine and South Korea Collaborate on North Korean Prisoners of War Issue
Ukraine and South Korea are in talks concerning the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war, with South Korea expressing readiness to accept them. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul communicated this proposal amid the ongoing involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict, which has seen substantial casualties. The discussions reflect a commitment to humanitarian support and international cooperation amid continuing military engagements.
The dialogue between Ukraine and South Korea centers on the proposal for cooperation regarding North Korean prisoners of war. South Korea has expressed its willingness to accept these prisoners, as reported by Reuters. During a recent telephone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reached out to Kyiv, emphasizing the need for collaboration in addressing the fate of these individuals.
Minister Cho Tae-yul indicated South Korea’s readiness to accept all North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they choose to relocate to South Korea. This announcement comes amid assertions from Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea regarding North Korea’s significant troop deployment to aid Russian forces in Ukraine, marking their first major involvement since the Korean War.
In his communication, Minister Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian populace and reiterated their readiness to assist North Korean prisoners who express interest in relocating. Reports from Kyiv revealed that as of early January 2025, over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had suffered casualties in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff outlined that North Korea may consider dispatching additional troops to Russia despite the high losses incurred from previous deployments. This follows last year’s deployment of North Korean forces, which are currently engaged in combat activities in Russia’s Kursk region. Defense Intelligence Director Kyrylo Budanov highlighted that the North Korean military is gaining valuable battlefield experience and enhancing their weaponry through participation in the conflict.
Budanov further disclosed that Russia has significantly upgraded North Korea’s KN-23 missiles, improving their precision during operations. Reports indicate that as of early February, North Korea has lost approximately 4,000 soldiers amidst the ongoing confrontations in Kursk.
In summary, the discussions between Ukraine and South Korea reflect a significant international dimension regarding the handling of North Korean prisoners of war. As South Korea extends its willingness to accept these individuals, the geopolitical implications of North Korea’s troop involvement in the Ukraine conflict continue to evolve, highlighting the challenges posed by their military engagements. The collaboration between nations underscores a broader commitment to humanitarian efforts amidst complex warfare dynamics.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
