Ukraine Proposes Exchange of Captured North Korean Soldiers for Ukrainian Prisoners: Zelensky

Seoul, Jan 13 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine is ready to exchange captured North Korean soldiers in return for Ukrainian captives in Russia. This announcement comes a day after revealing the country's capture of two injured North Korean soldiers.

Zelenskyy made this proposal on his social media account on platform X, in English, Ukrainian, and Korean, on Sunday (local time). This followed his statement the previous day about the capture of the two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia's western Kursk region, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

"Ukraine is prepared to return Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can facilitate their exchange for our warriors currently held captive in Russia," Zelenskyy stated. "In addition to the initial captured soldiers from North Korea, there will certainly be more in the future."

The Ukrainian President emphasized, "There should be no doubt remaining globally that the Russian army relies on military support from North Korea," adding that "Putin cannot operate without assistance from Pyongyang."

He also pointed out that for North Korean soldiers who do not want to return, "There may be alternative options available."

"Specifically, those who wish to contribute to peace by sharing the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity," Zelenskyy noted.

Accompanying the proposal, the Ukrainian President shared a video of the two captured North Korean soldiers being questioned through a Korean interpreter.

One of the soldiers, lying on a bunk with bandages on both hands, shook his head when asked, "Do you know your current location?" and "Were you aware you were fighting against Ukraine?"

When asked what his commanders told him about whom they would be fighting, the injured soldier replied, "I was informed that we were going to undergo training similar to an actual battle."

He mentioned he was deployed to the front lines on January 3 and was injured and captured two days later while hiding in a shelter. When asked about his desire to return home, the soldier responded, "I wish to live here."

The other captured soldier, who had bandages on his chin, nodded when asked if he wanted to go back home but shook his head when inquired if his family in North Korea was aware of his whereabouts.

According to South Korean officials, North Korea is estimated to have sent about 11,000 troops to aid Russia in its conflict against Ukraine.

Last month, South Korea's intelligence agency informed lawmakers that at least 100 North Koreans have lost their lives, with around 1,000 others injured.