Ukraine transfers two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskiy says
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine has handed two North Korean prisoners of war, captured in Russia's Kursk region, to the Republic of Korea.
Ukraine said it has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly. The soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2023, marking the first time North Korean combatants have been taken alive since their deployment in the conflict.
"Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea," Zelenskiy said.
He added that one of the captives attempted suicide when he realized he would be taken prisoner, but survived. Zelenskiy did not provide further details about the handover.
Human-rights organisations have urged that the detainees be sent to South Korea rather than repatriated to North Korea, citing concerns over possible punishment. South Korean media reported that the two soldiers expressed a desire to defect, though the foreign ministry declined to confirm specifics, citing safety considerations for the individuals and their families.
South Korea has previously stated it will accept all North Korean prisoners of war who fought for Russia and opposes their return to either Russia or North Korea. Zelenskiy also criticised North Korea for deploying troops to support Russia, describing the practice as irrational and saying the regime treats its soldiers as a form of currency.