Zelenskyy Offers Captured North Korean Troops In Exchange For Ukraine’s POWs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday his readiness to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. The proposal follows the confirmation from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) that two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.

Zelenskyy stated on social media, “Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia.” He hinted that more North Korean soldiers might be captured and added that those willing to spread the truth about the war could stay in Ukraine.

Captured Soldiers Speak Out

Zelenskyy shared a video of the two captured soldiers. One soldier, bandaged and visibly shaken, revealed that he was unaware of being sent to fight, initially believing it was a training mission. While one soldier expressed a desire to return to North Korea, the other said he would comply with any decision but expressed interest in staying in Ukraine.

North Korea’s Alleged Role in Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine, South Korea, and the United States accuse North Korea of deploying over 10,000 soldiers to support Russian forces. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged the deployment. South Korea’s intelligence confirmed that the captured soldiers received training in Russia and faced significant losses in battle.

Rising Casualties Among North Korean Troops

South Korean reports indicate that North Korean forces in Ukraine have suffered significant casualties, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 soldiers killed or wounded. North Korea is reportedly preparing additional deployments to support Russia’s ongoing military efforts in Ukraine.

Russia Claims Gains Amid Mounting International Scrutiny

Amid these developments, Russia announced the capture of two villages, Yantarne in Donetsk and Kalinove in Kharkiv, highlighting its continued military advances. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s reliance on North Korean forces underscores the challenges facing Moscow’s military.

The international community awaits reactions from Russia and North Korea regarding these allegations. Meanwhile, Ukraine and South Korea continue to collaborate on intelligence-sharing efforts to address the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict.

This unprecedented offer from Zelenskyy could test international diplomacy and shed light on the broader implications of foreign involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.