Ukraine ready to talk with South Korea on captured NK soldiers

06.02.2025 16:32

Ukrinform

Ukraine is open to discussions with South Korea on the possible transfer of the two captured soldiers from North Korea, given the threats in the event of their repatriation, as well as if they refuse to return to their home country.

This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, in an interview with The Korean Times, Ukrinform reports.

"Given the threat to the life and freedom of North Korean servicemen in the event of their repatriation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and if they refuse to go back, we are open for a dialogue with international partners, in particular the Republic of Korea, regarding the possibilities of their transfer to third countries," the diplomat said

He expressed hope that in this case, the Ukrainian side will hold consultations with South Korea on the modalities of transferring the prisoners.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on January 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s Defense Forces operating in Russia’s Kursk region had captured two North Korean soldiers.