South Korea and Ukraine are negotiating the transfer of two North Korean POWs captured by Ukraine. Discussions involve legal considerations under South Korean law which recognizes North Koreans as citizens, requiring the POWs’ voluntary expression of desire to relocate. The conversation is vital given the backdrop of North Korean military participation in the conflict and significant casualties reported by Ukrainian officials.
On March 17, 2025, South Korea and Ukraine engaged in discussions regarding the potential transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a phone conversation specifically about this matter. According to Cho, North Koreans are recognized as South Korean citizens under South Korean law, but the POWs must actively wish to relocate to South Korea.
Last fall, about 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia’s Kursk Oblast to aid in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces successfully captured the two North Korean soldiers on January 11, 2025. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant casualties among North Korean forces, estimating about 4,000, with a considerable portion being fatalities.
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, indicated that the high casualty rate stems from North Korea’s inexperienced combat strategies and the implementation of human wave assaults with insufficient military equipment. As the situation develops, the discussions between Seoul and Kyiv will be pivotal in determining the future of these North Korean POWs.
The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine reflect significant diplomatic efforts concerning the treatment of North Korean POWs. The legal status of North Koreans as South Korean citizens complicates the transfer process, as individual consent from the POWs is necessary. The overall context of North Korean military involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the associated casualty figures further emphasizes the complexities surrounding this issue.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
