President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has announced that the country is prepared to transfer captured North Korean soldiers back to their leader, Kim Jong-un, if he can facilitate a swap for Ukrainians held prisoner in Russia.
“Along with the initial captured soldiers from North Korea, more will likely follow. It’s just a question of time before our forces capture additional troops,” Mr. Zelensky shared on X.
He revealed that Ukraine has taken two North Koreans prisoner in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first time since last autumn that Ukraine has reported the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since the conflict began nearly three years ago.
The Kremlin has chosen not to comment on Kyiv’s assertions.
“We are continuing discussions regarding potential exchanges, which is complex work… but the life of every Russian soldier is significant to us,” Mr. Peskov stated.
According to evaluations from Ukrainian and Western sources, approximately 11,000 troops from North Korea, a Russian ally, have been deployed in the Kursk area to bolster Russia’s military efforts.
Russia has not confirmed or denied the presence of these troops.
Mr. Zelensky indicated that both Russian and North Korean forces have sustained significant losses.
“Ukraine is willing to return Kim Jong-un’s soldiers if he can arrange an exchange for our fighters currently held in Russia,” Mr. Zelensky affirmed.
Video footage aired in South Korea showing a North Korean soldier being captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia.
He shared a brief video featuring the interrogation of two individuals identified as North Korean soldiers. One soldier was depicted lying on a bed with bandaged hands, while the other sat with a bandage on his jaw.
One soldier, through an interpreter, claimed he was unaware he was fighting against Ukraine and had been led to believe he was participating in a training exercise.
He recounted hiding in a shelter during the offensive and being discovered a couple of days later. He expressed a willingness to return to North Korea if ordered but indicated he would prefer to remain in Ukraine if offered the opportunity.
Reuters has not been able to verify the authenticity of the video.
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“One of the soldiers expressed a wish to stay in Ukraine, while the other preferred to return to Korea,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned in a televised address.
Mr. Zelensky noted that for those North Korean soldiers who do not want to return, alternative options might be available: “Those who wish to contribute to peace by disseminating the truth about this war in the Korean language will be provided that opportunity.”
No specific details were provided by Mr. Zelensky.
A South Korean politician reported that around 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives and 2,700 have been injured while engaged in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Reports indicate that the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has broadened to include the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting casualties include around 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries,” Lee Seong-kweun stated to reporters following a briefing from the intelligence agency.
