South Korea has confirmed the arrival of two North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine

South Korea has effectively confirmed that it accepted two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukrainian forces during combat operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Seoul held talks with Kyiv regarding their handover but decided not to disclose the details of the operation.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government conducted the necessary consultations and maintained communication with Ukraine and other parties. Seoul explained that the secrecy was necessary to ensure the safety of the North Koreans themselves and their family members. The wishes of the soldiers, norms of international law, and humanitarian principles were also taken into account while resolving the issue.

According to South Korean media reports, the prisoners arrived in the country approximately three to four days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced their transfer.

A framework agreement between Kyiv and Seoul had already been reached back in June. It provided for the possibility of transferring the soldiers without additional conditions, provided they themselves voluntarily agreed to go to South Korea.

Yoo Young-won, a member of the South Korean National Assembly from the People Power Party who serves on the parliamentary defense committee, has already commented on the event. He stated that he feels deeply moved that the soldiers have “finally returned to the embrace of the free Republic of Korea.”

At the same time, the lawmaker criticized certain aspects of the South Korean government’s actions during the handover process. He called on the authorities to provide the soldiers with adequate protection and assistance as they adjust to life in South Korea.

This was reported with reference to Yonhap.

As a reminder, North Korea may send up to 50,000 soldiers to Russia.

The DPRK launched two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan — France 24.

President Zelenskyy announced the handover of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea — Asharq Al-Awsat.