South Korea and Ukraine’s foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of North Korean POWs captured during combat. South Korea considers them citizens and would accept their defection. North Korea has sent troops to support Russia, and both nations are committed to peace and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
On Monday, the top diplomats of South Korea and Ukraine engaged in phone discussions concerning the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war. The conversations involved South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, primarily focusing on the status of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces.
Minister Cho emphasized that, according to South Korean law, the captured North Korean soldiers are considered South Korean citizens, and the government would accept their defection should they express such a desire. These soldiers were apprehended in January while fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.
It has been reported that North Korea dispatched approximately 11,000 troops to Russia in October of last year, with additional forces being sent between January and February of the current year to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine.
Furthermore, during the call, Minister Cho assured that the South Korean government is committed to cooperating with the international community to ensure the restoration of peace and facilitate the post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Minister Sybiha highlighted the ongoing high-level negotiations between Ukraine and the United States, aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, while expressing hope for continued international collaboration in pursuing peace.
In conclusion, the recent discussion between South Korea and Ukraine underscores the complexities surrounding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war and highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. Both nations are committed to addressing the situation with a focus on peace and reconstruction efforts, showcasing a collaborative approach to international relations and shared security concerns.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
