Ukraine Ready to Hand Over North Korean Soldiers to Kim Jong-un in Exchange for Captive Ukrainians
KYIV: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Kyiv is willing to hand over North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong-un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.
Captured North Korean Soldiers
Zelensky said that Ukraine had captured two North Koreans in Russia’s Kursk region, the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since their entry into the nearly three-year-old war last autumn. Ukrainian and Western assessments suggest that some 11,000 troops from Russia’s ally North Korea have been deployed in the Kursk region to support Moscow’s forces. Russia has neither confirmed nor denied their presence.
Heavy Losses
Zelensky has said that Russian and North Korean forces have suffered heavy losses. He stated, "In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It’s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others."
Offer to Hand Over North Korean Soldiers
Zelensky expressed his willingness to hand over the captured North Korean soldiers to Kim Jong-un, provided he can organize their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia. He added, "Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim’s soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia."
Video Interrogation
Zelensky posted a short video showing the interrogation of two men presented as North Korean soldiers. One of them is lying on a bed with bandaged hands, the other is sitting with a bandage on his jaw. One of the men said through an interpreter that he did not know he was fighting against Ukraine and had been told he was on a training exercise. He said he hid in a shelter during the offensive and was found a couple of days later. He expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine if given the chance, while the other soldier wanted to return to Korea.
Options for North Korean Soldiers
Zelensky stated that for North Korean soldiers who did not wish to return home, there may be other options available. He added, "Those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in the Korean language will be given that opportunity." However, he provided no specific details.
Conclusion
The offer to hand over North Korean soldiers to Kim Jong-un highlights the complexities of the conflict in Ukraine, where multiple countries and factions are involved. The exchange of prisoners could potentially lead to a breakthrough in the conflict, but it remains to be seen whether such an agreement can be reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation with North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?
- According to Ukrainian and Western assessments, some 11,000 North Korean troops are deployed in the Kursk region to support Moscow’s forces.
- How many North Korean soldiers have been captured by Ukraine?
- Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, with the potential for more captures in the future.
- What is Ukraine’s offer to Kim Jong-un?
- Ukraine is willing to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to Kim Jong-un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.