Ukraine Transfers Two North Korean Soldiers to South Korea, Zelensky Reports

Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. Zelensky mentioned, "Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea." He added that capturing these soldiers alive was challenging, noting that one attempted to take his own life upon realizing he would be captured. Further details regarding their transfer were not provided by Zelensky. The two North Koreans were captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2024 and were the first North Korean soldiers apprehended alive since North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war began. Zelensky had previously indicated a willingness to return the soldiers to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in exchange for Ukrainian captives held in Russia. However, human rights organizations urged for their repatriation to South Korea, citing potential risks they would face if returned to North Korea. Reports from South Korean media indicated that the soldiers had expressed a desire to defect to South Korea. South Korean opposition lawmaker Yu Yong-weon informed reporters that the two soldiers left Ukraine last weekend, transited through a third country, and arrived in South Korea three to four days ago, according to Yonhap News Agency. Yu stated, "While their exact location is unknown, I believe our intelligence agencies are protecting them." South Korea’s Foreign Ministry declined to confirm the situation, citing the need to ensure the safety of the soldiers and their families. The country’s Unification Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. In June, South Korea announced it would accept all North Korean prisoners of war who fought for Russia and opposed their repatriation to Russia or North Korea. Zelensky also criticized North Korea for deploying troops to support Russia, stating, "This is madness too. Why should Koreans give their lives in a war against Ukraine? Kim Jong Un uses them like currency. And he gets something in return." Estimates suggest that North Korea has sent approximately 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers to aid Russia's war efforts since 2024, with many deployed in the Kursk region to assist Russian forces in repelling Ukrainian advances. Additionally, North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, long-range artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems, according to assessments from Ukrainian and independent sources.