Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the return of two captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Zelenskyy stated, “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 also mentioned that North Korean soldiers who may not wish to return could have other options, particularly for those wanting to spread the truth about the war in Korea to help expedite peace.
Zelenskyy emphasized the broader implications of North Korea’s involvement, pointing out that there are likely more North Korean soldiers beyond the initial captives. He clarified that the Russian military depends on North Korean support, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not sustain the war without it.
The proposal came shortly after Ukraine confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers, as reported by AFP and France 24, following an announcement from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Zelenskyy also released a 2-minute 55-second video showing the interrogation of the captured North Korean soldiers. In the video, one prisoner was lying on a bed while the other, with his jaw bandaged, was sitting on a bunk.
During the interrogation, conducted through a translator, the soldiers were asked, “Do you know where you are?” and “Did you know you were fighting against Ukraine?” Both prisoners shook their heads and replied, “No.” When asked, “What orders did your commanders give you?” they said, “They told us to treat the training like real combat.”
One North Korean soldier explained, “I came to the front on January 3 and hid in a bunker after seeing my comrades die. I was captured on January 5 after being injured.” When asked, “Do you want to return to North Korea?” he responded, “Are the Ukrainian people all good? I want to live here.”
The interrogator said, “If you cooperate, we’ll do our best to let you live here. Take care of your health.” The soldier replied, “You won’t send me home, will you?” When asked again, “Do you want to go home?” he answered, “If I have to, I will…” but trailed off. However, when asked, “Would you stay in Ukraine if allowed?” he nodded.
In contrast, the other North Korean soldier, with a head bandage, expressed a desire to return to North Korea when asked.
This is the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of live North Korean soldiers since North Korea deployed troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. The two soldiers are believed to be in their 20s.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the captured North Korean soldiers are receiving necessary medical care and are currently detained by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in Kyiv.
Germany’s public broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that North Korea is estimated to have sent around 12,000 soldiers to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. In December last year, North Korean casualties were estimated at 3,000 by Ukraine and around 1,000 by South Korea.
As of now, neither Russia nor North Korea has stated Zelenskyy’s report on the capture of North Korean soldiers.
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