Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine have arrived safely in South Korea, according to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a South Korean opposition lawmaker. South Korea has not formally confirmed their arrival, with the government citing safety concerns for the prisoners and their families.
Zelenskyy said during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Ukraine recently sent two prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea, and Rep. Yu Yong-weon of South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party confirmed that the two arrived “a few days ago.” One outlet reports the soldiers have been in captivity for nearly 20 months after their capture by Ukrainian forces.
Both accounts describe the transfer as having been kept secret until now, reportedly due to concerns about the prisoners’ security. They add that the men are expected to receive protection under South Korean laws for North Korean defectors. South Korea’s intelligence authorities are also expected to question and investigate their cases over an extended period, while their health is reported to be stable.
