Main image: This undated photo, released in a Telegram post by Vladimir Solovyov, a presenter for Russian state television, shows North Korean soldiers undergoing combat training. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
North Korea's recognition of its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war on the side of Russia will not affect South Korea's plans regarding the acceptance of North Korean soldiers as prisoners of war, should they wish to defect to the South. This was reported by Yonhap.
According to the agency, the fate of the North Korean prisoners of war has drawn attention again, as some experts have suggested that after confirming the participation of its forces in the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea might demand the repatriation of prisoners.
"And under the Geneva Conventions and international law and practices, they must not be repatriated to any place where they could face persecution," said South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lee Jae-woong.
He added that South Korea is still willing to provide necessary protection and support to North Korean soldiers if they request to come to South Korea.
"We have already communicated this position to the Ukrainian authorities and will continue the necessary consultations," said Lee.
- On January 11, President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian defenders in the Kursk region had captured two North Korean soldiers. These were the first North Korean military personnel to be captured by Ukraine and survive injuries sustained earlier.
- The SSU reported that the prisoners do not speak Ukrainian, English, or Russian, and communication with them is through Korean language interpreters in collaboration with South Korean intelligence.
- On January 14, South Korea stated that it was ready to accept the North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine if they request it.
- On April 28, North Korea confirmed its armed forces' participation in the Russia-Ukraine war. North Korean military personnel had fought in battles in the Kursk region.
