Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his country is willing to release two North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict with Russia, in exchange for the release of Ukrainian prisoners held captive in Russia.
According to Zelenskyy, if Russian President Kim Jong Un is willing to facilitate an exchange, Ukraine will transfer the captured soldiers back to their homeland. The offer aims to bring peace closer by allowing the North Korean soldiers to spread the truth about the war.
The two captured North Koreans were taken prisoner during a battle in Kursk, a region on Russia’s border where Ukrainian troops are trying to hold ground. Reports suggest that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in the conflict.
In an unusual move, Zelenskyy released an unverified video showing interrogations with the two wounded soldiers. One soldier expressed a desire to live in Ukraine, while another seemed unable to talk due to a wounded jaw.
The offer comes amid reports that hundreds of North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 injured in the war. Zelenskyy’s proposal aims to address this humanitarian crisis and promote peace by facilitating a prisoner exchange.
However, experts warn that releasing prisoners during wartime can be complex and potentially expose them to public curiosity, which could violate international law. The Geneva Conventions dictate that prisoners of war should be treated with dignity and respect.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/01/13/zelenskyy-ukraine-captured-north-koreans/77665379007