Kyiv and Seoul Discuss Management of North Korean POWs Amid Ukraine Conflict
Ukraine has detained North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region as North Korea aids Russian forces in the conflict. South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has requested collaboration with Ukraine on the management of these POWs, offering to accept any who wish to relocate to South Korea. Over 3,000 North Korean soldiers are reported to have been killed or injured in the fighting.
Ukraine has reported the capture of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia, raising significant concerns regarding their treatment. Recent evaluations indicate that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to assist Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking Pyongyang’s first substantial involvement in warfare since the Korean War.
During a recent telephone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul requested Ukraine’s cooperation in managing these North Korean prisoners of war. He reiterated South Korea’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while expressing willingness to welcome any captured North Korean soldiers seeking refuge in South Korea.
As of early January 2025, Ukrainian officials estimate that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been either killed or injured as a result of their deployment in the conflict. This grave statistic underscores the urgency for both nations to coordinate on the treatment of these individuals caught in a complex geopolitical situation.
The ongoing dialogue between Kyiv and Seoul highlights the complexities surrounding the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war amid the conflict in Ukraine. Both nations acknowledge the involvement of North Korean troops and seek a coordinated approach to address the humanitarian implications of this situation. South Korea’s readiness to accept these soldiers reflects its ongoing support for Ukraine and the need for careful management of POW cases.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
