Captured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have asked to be sent to South Korea, according to Korea JoongAng Daily on October 31.
The report cites officials familiar with the matter who said that several North Koreans captured on the battlefield expressed their wish to defect to Seoul rather than be repatriated to Pyongyang.
Ukrainian authorities are reportedly coordinating with international organizations to ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war.
The prisoners, believed to be part of North Korean military units deployed by Moscow, were captured during combat in eastern Ukraine.
-e0d2fbd2e85029e4ee202bd757979320.jpg)
According to Ukrainian intelligence sources cited by the outlet, their statements revealed severe conditions within the Russian military units that included North Korean personnel.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry has not publicly commented, while Seoul’s National Intelligence Service is said to be assessing the situation in cooperation with allies.
The report adds that this is the first known case of North Korean troops captured in Ukraine seeking asylum in the South.
Earlier, it was reported that North Korean military personnel have been observed supporting Russian operations against Ukraine, including directing strikes and operating drones in coordination with Russian forces in the Kursk and Sumy regions.
They had previously suffered heavy losses while serving as attritional infantry for Russia.
-eb7edb96910950cec5bac8be9d6cbf71.jpg)
We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.
Related articles