Zelenskyy says Ukraine transferred two North Korean POWs to South Korea
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly that Ukraine has handed two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, criticizing North Korea's role in the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea. The soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January and represent the first known apprehension of North Korean troops since their deployment to support Russia in 2024. Zelenskyy said one of the captives attempted suicide when he realized he would be taken prisoner.
He accused the North Korean regime of using its citizens as "currency" in exchange for military assistance, and noted that Asian countries have observed improvements in Pyongyang's ballistic missile and drone capabilities. Human-rights organisations have urged that the prisoners be sent to South Korea rather than returned to North Korea, citing concerns over possible punishment.
South Korean officials did not confirm operational details of the transfer, citing safety and family-protection concerns, but a senior spokesperson said both governments will handle the prisoners' status in line with international law and humanitarian principles, respecting the individuals' wishes. The issue was also discussed during a recent summit in Ankara between the two leaders.