Zelensky Makes Bold Move: Proposes Swap of Ukrainian Prisoners for North Korean Troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a message in Korean to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, offering to release North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.

On Sunday, Zelenskyy posted the proposal on X (formerly Twitter) in Korean, English, and Ukrainian, stating that he is willing to hand over North Korean troops to Kim Jong Un—provided that North Korea helps facilitate the exchange of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. Zelenskyy noted, “In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It’s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others.”

Zelenskyy emphasized the Russian military’s heavy reliance on North Korean support in his message. He stated that no one should doubt that Putin can do nothing without North Korean military assistance, underscoring that Ukraine is poised to make further gains on the battlefield.

Zelenskyy also offered alternatives for North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return to their country, suggesting that there may be opportunities for them, especially for those who want to spread the truth about the war in Korea and help advance peace efforts.

The day before, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian forces had captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s western Kursk region. He released photos of the soldiers along with their military ID cards. According to Ukrainian and Western analysts, approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk front, although Russia has yet to confirm or deny their presence.