Seoul and Kyiv Discuss Repatriation of North Korean POWs to South Korea

Ukraine is in talks with South Korea regarding the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured as prisoners of war, Yonhap news agency reported on March 17, citing Seoul’s foreign ministry.

According to the news agency, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul discussed the handling of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, during a phone call.

Previously, on January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two North Koreans were captured by Ukrainian forces.

According to their interview with Chosun Ilbo, Ri, a reconnaissance sniper, and Baek, a rifleman, were sent to Kursk, Russia, in late 2024 under the pretense of “training,” only to find themselves in combat.

The South Korean Foreign Minister emphasized that, under the country’s Constitution, the captured soldiers are considered South Korean citizens. However, they must personally express their willingness to relocate to South Korea.

Previously, Zelenskyy revealed at the 25th Ramstein meeting that North Korea has suffered 4,000 casualties—killed or wounded—in the ongoing war against Ukraine.