South Korea’s spy agency has confirmed that two captured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have shown no interest in seeking asylum in South Korea. The revelation came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his willingness to hand over the soldiers to North Korea if Kim Jong Un arranges for an exchange with Ukrainian prisoners of war.
In a closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service confirmed its participation in questioning the North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian authorities. The agency said the soldiers have not expressed any desire to resettle in South Korea, according to two lawmakers who attended the meeting. However, Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson for the Unification Ministry, noted that facilitating asylum would require legal reviews and consultations with related nations.
South Korea’s spy agency estimates around 300 North Korean troops killed and 2,700 injured while fighting against Ukrainian forces in Ukraine. The agency believes they are struggling to adapt to modern warfare due to poor tactics from Russian commanders and lack of training at home.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also confirmed the capture of North Korean soldiers, stating that one wishes to stay in Ukraine while another wants to return to North Korea. Moscow’s counterattack has left Ukrainian forces demoralized, killing and wounding thousands, and retaking more than 40% of the territory seized.
Experts say the high death toll among North Korean soldiers is predictable due to their lack of preparation for an unfamiliar mission in the Kursk region. They are also being deployed under Russian commanders, possibly struggling with tactics and communication issues. The North Korean forces could be operating special surveillance teams to arrest or execute attempted deserters.
Source: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2025/01/13/seouls-spy-agency-says-north-korean-soldiers-captured-ukraine-havent-shown-desire-defect/77666475007