Ukraine is ready to return captured North Korean soldiers if leader Kim Jong Un can facilitate an exchange for Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine has said it captured two North Koreans fighting for Russia in the Kursk region. Zelensky said this is likely just the beginning, as Ukrainian forces are expected to capture more over time.
“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,” the Ukrainian president said in a post on X.
In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It’s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others. There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North… pic.twitter.com/4RyCfUoHoC— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 12, 2025
“For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available,” he added. “In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity.”
Zelensky posted a video that showed one of the alleged North Korean soldiers expressing a desire to stay in Ukraine. The soldier also asked if Ukraine would send him back to North Korea, and when asked if he wanted to return home, he said he would do as he’s told.
Zelensky said last week that about 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in the Kursk region that borders Ukraine. The estimates haven’t been verified. In mid-December, the US said North Korea had “several hundred” casualties in clashes with Ukrainian troops, out of possibly 12,000 troops sent.
South Korea estimates around 300 North Korean troops have died and another 2,700 were wounded while fighting for Russia, according to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, who was briefed by the country’s spy agency. Lee also said Pyongyang has told its soldiers to kill themselves rather than be captured.
South Korea is willing to discuss with Ukraine if any captured North Korean soldiers want to defect, though none have expressed interest so far, Lee said.