South Korea and Ukraine’s top diplomats discussed the repatriation of North Korean POWs in a phone call. South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized that the captured soldiers are viewed as citizens under South Korean law, and potential defection is allowed. The discussion also touched on South Korea’s support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and ongoing U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic talks to resolve the conflict with Russia.
On Monday, the chief diplomats of South Korea and Ukraine engaged in discussions via phone regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). The South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, addressed the situation of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, emphasizing their status under South Korean law.
The captured soldiers, according to Cho, would be recognized as South Korean citizens and their defection would be accepted if they expressed such a desire. These soldiers had been captured earlier this year while fighting in the Kursk region against Kyiv’s forces.
Significantly, it has been reported that North Korea deployed approximately 11,000 troops to Russia in October of last year, subsequently sending additional forces in early 2023 to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
During the conversation, Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to collaborating with the international community on peace restoration and post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Furthermore, Sybiha noted ongoing high-level discussions between Ukraine and the United States aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, expressing optimism for continued international cooperation in achieving peace.
The phone conversation between South Korea and Ukraine’s top diplomats highlights significant global diplomatic efforts concerning North Korean POWs. It emphasizes South Korea’s constitutional stance on captured soldiers, collaboration toward peace initiatives, and ongoing diplomatic interactions with the U.S. in resolving the conflict with Russia. This interaction showcases the broader context of geopolitical interests and humanitarian considerations at play.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
