South Korea has proposed a cooperation agreement with Ukraine to accept North Korean prisoners of war captured during the conflict. The South Korean Foreign Minister indicated readiness to assist these individuals should they wish to relocate to South Korea. The discussions occur against the backdrop of North Korea’s military involvement in support of Russia, with thousands of North Korean soldiers reportedly affected in combat.
South Korea has initiated dialogue with Ukraine regarding the potential treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. As reported by Reuters, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has proposed cooperating with Kyiv to facilitate the acceptance of these captives within South Korea. During a recent phone conversation, Minister Cho expressed that South Korea is prepared to welcome any North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine who wish to relocate to their country.
Reports from Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea indicate that North Korea has deployed a significant number of troops to assist Russian military operations in Ukraine, marking the North’s first substantial involvement in such a conflict since the 1950s. Minister Cho Tae-yul reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to aiding Ukraine and underscored that support would be extended should North Korean prisoners of war express a desire to transfer to South Korean territory.
According to Ukrainian officials, over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured in combat in Ukraine by early January 2025. Moreover, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff provided insights indicating that North Korea might be prepared to reinforce its military presence in Russia, despite the heavy casualties and the capture of numerous soldiers.
The involvement of North Korean military forces in the conflict dates back to last year, when they were dispatched to assist Russia. Presently, these troops are reportedly engaged in operations in the Kursk region. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Defense Intelligence in Ukraine, stated that North Korean forces are acquiring important combat experience and enhancing their weapons systems through their engagements in this region, highlighting collaborations with Russian forces.
Budanov also noted advancements in North Korean missile technology, specifically the modernization of the KN-23 missiles by Russia, which have improved accuracy in military strikes. As of early February, reports indicated that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been lost in the course of the fighting in Kursk.
The recent discussions between Ukraine and South Korea highlight a significant diplomatic effort to address the situation of North Korean prisoners of war amid ongoing conflict. South Korea’s readiness to accept these soldiers reflects their commitment to humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, the continued involvement of North Korean forces in Russia’s military operations underscores the complex dynamics of the war in Ukraine and its broader implications for regional security.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
