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Captured North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine Ask to Defect to South Korea

Seoul signals readiness to receive them pending verification of their wishes.

Overview

  • The two prisoners wrote an October letter to a Seoul-based defectors' group saying they want a new life in the South, which was shared publicly this week.
  • Ukrainian forces captured the men in Russia's Kursk region and have held them in Kyiv since January after battlefield injuries.
  • South Korea has notified Ukraine that it will accept the captives if their intent is confirmed, citing its constitution that treats North Koreans as citizens.
  • A video interview recorded at a Kyiv POW facility has not been released, with the activist involved saying publication is planned next month.
  • Intelligence reports say North Korea sent thousands of troops to support Russia, with hundreds killed, and officials warn returning the POWs to the North could be lethal.