Seoul and Kyiv Engage in Talks Over North Korean POW Repatriation
South Korea and Ukraine’s foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of North Korean POWs, recognized as South Korean citizens under law. The conversation included a potential asylum request from one POW. Related developments pertain to military support from North Korea to Russia and the impact on regional stability.
On March 17, 2023, the foreign ministers of South Korea and Ukraine engaged in a phone conversation focused on the potential repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) held by Ukraine. The South Korean Foreign Ministry indicated that these POWs are recognized as South Korean citizens under the nation’s law.
During this call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul conveyed to his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, that if the captured North Korean soldiers wish to defect, South Korea would accept such a request. This stance is based on the South Korean Constitution, which considers these soldiers as citizens.
Further developments were noted on February 19, when the South Korean publication Chosun Ilbo reported interviews with the two captured soldiers, who had served as a sniper-scout and a shooter. One of these prisoners expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea, highlighting their potential intent to defect.
In related news, additional reports indicated that North Korea has provided significant military support to Russia, and recent operations in Kursk Oblast by Russian forces aimed at rescuing North Korean soldiers were unsuccessful. These events coincide with broader developments regarding military deployments and actions involving North Korean forces in conjunction with Russia.
In summary, the discussions between South Korea and Ukraine underscore a critical humanitarian issue concerning North Korean prisoners of war. The recognition of these individuals as South Korean citizens opens pathways for potential asylum requests, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. The situation remains complex, with additional implications tied to North Korea’s military support to Russia and the dynamics of their cooperation amidst ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
