S. Korean gov't effectively confirms repatriation of N. Korean POWs from Ukraine
The government effectively confirmed the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces, Thursday, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that two prisoners of war (POWs) had been sent to South Korea. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Seoul has consistently maintained that the issue should be resolved in a manner that respects the prisoners' free…
South Korea's government formally acknowledged on Thursday the repatriation of two North Korean soldiers who were taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces. The confirmation came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the individuals had been sent to South Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resolution of this matter should be handled in a way that respects the prisoners' free will and adheres to international law and humanitarian principles.
According to the ministry, they have engaged in necessary communication and consultations with Ukraine, along with other relevant nations and institutions, to address this issue.
While the ministry did not explicitly refute Zelenskyy's statement, their actions effectively confirmed South Korea's involvement in discussions regarding the transfer of the soldiers. The ministry also refrained from disclosing specific details about whether individual prisoners had been transferred, or the timing, route, and exact terms of the bilateral talks, citing the sensitive nature of the matter. The two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces.
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