World News
Ukraine transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskyy says
The troops were captured in Kursk, and Seoul cited safety concerns while declining to confirm operational details.
The short version
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine transferred two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.[Al Jazeera]
- The two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025 and had reportedly expressed a desire to defect.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- South Korea's Foreign Ministry did not deny the remarks but declined to confirm operational details, citing individual safety and family protection.[Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- Ukrainian forces captured the two soldiers in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- South Korea previously urged Ukraine not to return the soldiers to North Korea and offered to accept them if they sought resettlement.[ABC News]
- South Korea's intelligence service estimated in April 2025 that about 15,000 North Korean troops had deployed to Russia, with around 2,000 killed.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Specific operational details regarding the transfer, including route and timing, have not been confirmed by South Korean authorities or elaborated on by Ukraine.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent two North Korean POWs to South KoreaAl Jazeera
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine sent 2 North Korean prisoners of war to South KoreaABC News - International