In a significant announcement, Zelensky stated his willingness to facilitate the return of two North Korean soldiers to their home country in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners presently under Russian custody.
Zelensky Proposes Prisoner Exchange Involving North Korean Soldiers
Zelensky Proposes Prisoner Exchange Involving North Korean Soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to exchange two captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a remarkable proposal, indicating his readiness to trade two North Korean soldiers they captured in January for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. Posting on social media, Zelensky emphasized the option for soldiers who do not wish to return home. He commented, “For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available,” extending an invitation to those seeking to foster peace through advocacy in Korea.
The captured soldiers, who were taken on January 9, have been confirmed to be in medical care in Kyiv, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These soldiers, identified only by their Korean language skills, are currently undergoing interrogation with assistance from the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Zelensky also shared images of the injured soldiers on social media, revealing details about their captured state. One of the soldiers possessed a Russian military ID card, allegedly issued to another individual, while the other soldier was without any identification. Claims from the SBU discussed that the soldier with the ID confirmed he was undergoing combat training rather than participating in the war against Ukraine.
Amid ongoing tensions, Zelensky’s administration revealed that Russia is attempting to disguise these soldiers as native recruits from regions within its control, such as Tuva. Reports indicated that up to 10,000 North Korean troops might be aligned with Russian military efforts, suggesting a significant collaboration between the two nations.
Meanwhile, allegations of North Korean troops suffering heavy casualties surfaced, with South Korea’s intelligence agency reporting that a North Korean soldier captured early in the conflict was found dead in Ukrainian custody. In Zelensky’s viewpoint, the reliance of the Russian military on North Korean support should leave no doubt regarding the scope of their military alliance.
The captured soldiers, who were taken on January 9, have been confirmed to be in medical care in Kyiv, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These soldiers, identified only by their Korean language skills, are currently undergoing interrogation with assistance from the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Zelensky also shared images of the injured soldiers on social media, revealing details about their captured state. One of the soldiers possessed a Russian military ID card, allegedly issued to another individual, while the other soldier was without any identification. Claims from the SBU discussed that the soldier with the ID confirmed he was undergoing combat training rather than participating in the war against Ukraine.
Amid ongoing tensions, Zelensky’s administration revealed that Russia is attempting to disguise these soldiers as native recruits from regions within its control, such as Tuva. Reports indicated that up to 10,000 North Korean troops might be aligned with Russian military efforts, suggesting a significant collaboration between the two nations.
Meanwhile, allegations of North Korean troops suffering heavy casualties surfaced, with South Korea’s intelligence agency reporting that a North Korean soldier captured early in the conflict was found dead in Ukrainian custody. In Zelensky’s viewpoint, the reliance of the Russian military on North Korean support should leave no doubt regarding the scope of their military alliance.
