Ukraine proposes exchange of prisoner soldiers with North Korea

Zelensky made this statement on Sunday through the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), through the publication of a message in English, Ukrainian and Korean.

“Ukraine is willing to give Kim Jong-un its soldiers, if he can organize an exchange for our warriors who are captive in Russia,” the Ukrainian president wrote. He also warned that there could be more North Korean soldiers captured in the future and made clear that Pyongyang’s support for Moscow has not gone unnoticed.

Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he “cannot manage” without Pyongyang’s support and that this was an indication of the weakening of the Russian war effort.

About the captured North Korean soldiers

Along with his proposal, the Ukrainian leader shared a video in which the two captured North Korean soldiers are seen being interrogated through an interpreter.

One of the soldiers, lying on a bunk with his hands bandaged, claimed to be unaware that he was fighting against Ukraine and claimed that he had been told he was participating in military training. Captured on January 5 after being wounded while hiding in a shelter, he expressed his desire to remain where he is currently, which seems to indicate that he does not wish to return to North Korea.

The second captured soldier, also wounded, showed a different stance by stating that he wanted to return to his country. However, he denied that his family was aware of his location.

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North Korea’s role in the war in Ukraine

In the final months of 2024, North Korea has stepped up its support for Russia in the conflict. The Asian country has sent around 11,000 soldiers, according to South Korean officials.

He National Intelligence Service (NIS) South Korea reported that, so far, at least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 1,000 wounded during the conflict.

Zelensky also addressed the fate of captured North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return to their country, suggesting they may have “other options.” In particular, he mentioned the possibility of those who seek to promote peace and spread the truth about the conflict in their native language to be supported in that role.

Until now, the international community has watched North Korea’s role in the war in Ukraine with concern. Pyongyang’s supply of soldiers and war materiel has escalated the conflict and also poses new challenges to regional stability in Asia. Regarding Zelensky’s proposal, there has not yet been an official response from North Korea.