Ukraine’s Stance on North Korean POWs and Regional Security Implications
Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, asserted that North Korean POWs will not be used as bargaining chips. Instead, their fate will be determined in accordance with international law. He also warned about North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine affecting regional stability. There were discussions about the potential transfer of captured soldiers to South Korea, contingent upon official requests.
In a recent interview with Yonhap, Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, stated that Ukraine does not consider North Korean soldiers captured as prisoners of war to be a bargaining chip for negotiations or exchanges. He emphasized that these matters should be addressed in line with international law and humanitarian principles.
Ambassador Ponomarenko’s remarks came during ongoing discussions between Kyiv and Seoul about the future of North Korean soldiers captured earlier this year. He asserted that any decisions relating to these soldiers would be made respecting international law and human rights, through dialogue among the involved parties.
When asked about the progress of negotiations, Ponomarenko remarked that it is currently too early to set any specific timelines for a decision. He affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to addressing all official communications from the South Korean government regarding the captured North Korean personnel, indicating an understanding of South Korea’s concerns.
The ambassador highlighted the implications of North Korea’s support for Russia in the conflict, suggesting that Pyongyang received crucial military technologies in return for its assistance. He advised South Korea to consider the long-term repercussions of North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine’s war, indicating that North Korea may be testing weapons on Ukrainian soil that could eventually be used against South Korea.
Ponomarenko concluded by stating that South Korea should pursue comprehensive military-technical cooperation with Ukraine, noting the mutual benefits for both nations. Despite the relationship, South Korea has limited its support to non-lethal and humanitarian aid since the onset of the war.
In January 2025, Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers, who were injured but survived the encounter. Following their capture, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Kim Jong Un might take these prisoners, contingent upon an exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia. Additionally, South Korea expressed intent to consult with Ukraine regarding the potential transfer of the North Korean soldiers, pending an official request from Kyiv. Ukrainian intelligence has reported that North Korean troops are currently being utilized by Russia in various military operations.
In summary, Ukraine maintains that North Korean prisoners of war should be dealt with under international law rather than as negotiation tools. Ambassador Ponomarenko underscored the importance of dialogue and compliance with humanitarian standards for their futures. Furthermore, North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine poses longer-term implications for South Korea’s security, warranting deeper cooperation with Ukraine. The dynamics surrounding the captured soldiers highlight the complexities of international relations amid ongoing conflict.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
