South Korea Proposes Cooperation with Ukraine on North Korean POWs

South Korea has offered to accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine, indicating a willingness to cooperate in their treatment. North Korea’s soldiers are actively involved in the conflict in Ukraine, with significant casualties reported. The discussions underscore the complexities of international relations and military alliances in the region.

The government of South Korea has reached out to Ukraine concerning collaboration on the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war. In a recent telephone conversation, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul expressed willingness to accept North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, affirming that they would be welcomed should they choose to relocate to South Korea.

A joint assessment by Ukraine, the United States, and South Korea indicates that North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to support Russian military efforts in Ukraine, marking their first significant involvement in the conflict since the 1950s. Minister Cho reiterated South Korea’s commitment to assist the Ukrainian populace and emphasized readiness to facilitate the relocation of North Korean prisoners if they express such a desire.

Reports submitted by Kyiv indicate that, as of January 2025, more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have sustained injuries or fatalities in combat operations within Ukraine. Additionally, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff have noted that despite the heavy losses, North Korea might deploy further troops to aid Russia’s cause.

Last year, North Korean forces were dispatched to join the conflict in Ukraine. Currently, these troops are reported to be engaged in operations in the Kursk region, gaining substantial combat experience. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, noted that these North Korean soldiers are benefiting from practical experiences and possible enhancements to their weapon systems through cooperation with Russian forces.

Furthermore, Budanov claimed that Russia has successfully upgraded North Korea’s KN-23 missiles, increasing their precision in combat scenarios. As of early February, casualty reports suggest that North Korea has suffered approximately 4,000 soldier losses in the ongoing engagements in Kursk.

In summary, South Korea has proposed collaboration with Ukraine regarding the treatment of North Korean prisoners of war, offering them a chance to relocate to South Korea. This proposal occurs amidst a backdrop of significant North Korean military involvement in the conflict, where they have reportedly lost thousands of troops. Such developments highlight ongoing international dynamics and the implications of North Korean support for Russian endeavors in Ukraine.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua