Zelensky Proposes POW Exchange: North Korean Soldiers for Ukrainians Held in Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his readiness to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war currently held in Russia. This offer comes after Ukraine reported capturing two North Korean soldiers wounded during clashes in Russia's Kursk region.
Zelensky stated on X (formerly Twitter): "Ukraine is prepared to return Kim Jong Un's soldiers in exchange for our warriors held captive in Russia." He added that more North Korean soldiers could be captured in the future and hinted at offering asylum to those unwilling to return to North Korea.
The South Korean National Intelligence Service corroborated Ukraine's claim, confirming that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean fighters on January 9.
A video posted by Zelensky showed the prisoners being interrogated, with one stating he was unaware of being sent to fight in Ukraine, believing it was a training exercise. One prisoner expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while the other indicated a preference to stay in Ukraine.
Neither Russia nor North Korea has acknowledged the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict. However, the two nations have strengthened their military ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he now relies on North Korean support to sustain his military efforts.
This development underscores the increasingly complex alliances and human toll of the ongoing war in Ukraine.