South Korea is preparing for talks with Ukraine regarding North Korean military prisoners of war
South Korea and Ukraine are preparing for talks on the transfer to Seoul of two North Korean prisoners of war who are currently in Ukraine. Discussions on this issue are scheduled to take place during a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, which is set to take place on June 30.
According to Cho Hyun, the parties have already reached a preliminary understanding regarding the future of the two North Korean servicemen.
“South Korea and Ukraine have reached an agreement in principle regarding the two North Korean prisoners of war. We expect further progress following the Ukrainian foreign minister’s visit to Seoul,” the official stated.
At the same time, the minister emphasized that any decision regarding the possible transfer of the prisoners must be made solely based on their personal wishes.
“Repatriation is carried out in accordance with the free will of each prisoner of war. We are doing everything possible to announce the outcome during this visit, although we cannot yet guarantee that this will be possible,” Cho Hyun added.
Following reports that two North Korean soldiers had been captured in Ukraine, public concern in South Korea over their future fate has intensified.
Civil society organizations and activists are calling on the government to secure the transfer of the prisoners to the Republic of Korea. One of the main arguments is that the South Korean Constitution considers North Korean residents to be citizens of the Republic of Korea, which provides a legal basis for their acceptance.
Seoul hopes that the upcoming visit by the Ukrainian foreign minister will lead to concrete agreements and progress in resolving the issue of the future status of the captured North Korean soldiers.
The South Korean side has stated its readiness to complete the necessary procedures as soon as possible; however, the final decision will depend on the results of the negotiations and the wishes of the prisoners themselves.
The South Korean foreign minister made this announcement during a press conference at the government complex in Seoul, according to The Korea Times.
Earlier, during the opening of a memorial to fallen soldiers, the North Korean leader stated that soldiers who blew themselves up to avoid capture had demonstrated “the highest level of loyalty.” In North Korea, such actions are now officially presented as examples of heroism in the war against Ukraine.
