Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to their leader, Kim Jong Un, in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Zelenskiy confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first such instance since their deployment last autumn to support Moscow’s forces in the ongoing war.
"Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia," Zelenskiy said.
A video accompanying the statement showed two men identified as North Korean soldiers, one with bandaged hands lying on a bed and another with a bandage on his jaw. Through an interpreter, one soldier expressed surprise at finding himself in combat against Ukraine, claiming he believed he was on a training exercise.
Zelenskiy added that one of the captives wished to stay in Ukraine, while the other expressed a desire to return to North Korea. For those choosing to remain, Zelenskiy hinted at potential opportunities to contribute by spreading truthful accounts of the war in the Korean language.
Reports indicate that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. According to South Korean intelligence, around 300 have been killed and 2,700 injured in combat, with their inexperience in modern warfare contributing to the high casualty rate.
South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, citing the National Intelligence Service (NIS), revealed that North Korean authorities encouraged soldiers to commit suicide rather than risk capture. Notes recovered from deceased soldiers reportedly emphasized loyalty to the Workers' Party and promises of pardon or membership for those who complied.
Captured soldiers have shown no inclination to seek asylum in South Korea, but Seoul has expressed willingness to cooperate with Ukraine if requested, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Zelenskiy’s offer of an exchange underscores the complexities of the international alliances supporting Russia’s war effort and highlights Ukraine’s determination to secure the return of its soldiers. As the war enters its third year, the involvement of North Korean troops further intensifies the conflict’s geopolitical dimensions.
Both Ukraine and South Korea are monitoring the situation closely, with Zelenskiy advocating for transparency and accountability from all parties involved.