Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, confirmed that North Korean POWs will not be used as bargaining tools in negotiations. He reiterated that decisions will comply with international law and emphasized the need for dialogue. He also detailed the implications of North Korea’s military involvement in the Ukraine conflict, urging South Korea to enhance military cooperation with Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, stated in an interview with Yonhap that the country does not consider North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) as a negotiable issue for exchange. He emphasized that any resolution regarding these POWs will adhere strictly to international law and humanitarian standards. Ponomarenko’s statements coincided with ongoing discussions between Kyiv and Seoul concerning the next steps for the North Korean soldiers who were captured this year.
The ambassador highlighted that any decisions on the future of these soldiers will be made in compliance with international law and will involve dialogue among the concerned parties. When questioned about the timeline for negotiations with Seoul, he remarked that it is “premature to discuss any specific timelines for making a decision.” He also assured that Ukraine is taking seriously all communications from South Korea regarding the captured personnel and is mindful of the South Korean government’s concerns.
Ponomarenko further noted that North Korea likely gained military advantages or other strategic support from Russia in exchange for its assistance in the conflict. He warned that North Korea’s engagement in Ukraine could have long-lasting implications, as it may be employing Ukrainian territory for testing its weaponry, which may eventually be utilized on the Korean Peninsula. He reiterated that South Korea should not hesitate to pursue comprehensive military-technical cooperation with Ukraine, as it would benefit both countries.
It is noteworthy that South Korea has thus far provided only humanitarian and non-lethal assistance to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. In January 2025, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers, who were injured yet survived and spoke with Ukrainian investigators. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously indicated that any potential return of the North Korean POWs could depend on an exchange arrangement with Kim Jong Un concerning Ukrainian soldiers detained by Russia. Additionally, South Korea has expressed its willingness to consult with Ukraine about the potential transfer of these captured soldiers, conditional upon the appropriate request from Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has been integrating North Korean personnel into its marine and airborne units for offensive operations.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s stance regarding North Korean POWs is firmly rooted in international law and humanitarian principles, as articulated by Ambassador Dmytro Ponomarenko. The dialogue between Ukraine and South Korea remains ongoing, with cautious consideration of military implications stemming from North Korea’s actions in the Ukraine conflict. Both nations are addressing the complex issues surrounding the captured soldiers with a focus on cooperation and legal frameworks rather than bargaining tactics. The situation continues to evolve, highlighting the strategic realities of the conflict.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
