Ukraine rules out using North Korean POWs as 'bargaining issue'
Photo: North Korean POW (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Ukraine's Ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, said in an interview with Yonhap that Ukraine does not view the issue of North Korean soldiers as prisoners of war as a "bargaining issue" for negotiation or exchange. Kyiv believes it should be resolved in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Ponomarenko made this statement amid discussions between Kyiv and Seoul about further actions regarding North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces earlier this year.
"Any decision regarding the soldiers' future will be made in compliance with international law, individual rights, and through dialogue between the parties concerned," the ambassador emphasized.
In response to a Yonhap question about the progress of negotiations with Seoul, Ponomarenko stated that it is currently "premature to discuss any specific timelines for making a decision."
"We responsibly treat all official appeals and signals from the Korean side regarding the fate of the captured North Korean military personnel, and we take into account the concerns of the South Korean government," Ponomarenko added.
Impact of North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war
The ambassador also stressed that North Korea likely received what it needed from Moscow in exchange for its "service" in providing military assistance to Russia. This could include advanced military technologies or other forms of strategic support.
He emphasized that South Korea should be aware of the long-term consequences of North Korea's involvement in the war in Ukraine. According to Ponomarenko, Pyongyang is using Ukrainian territory as a testing ground for its weapons, which could later be used on the Korean Peninsula.
"In this regard, I think the Republic of Korea has no reason to hesitate in the development of full-scale military-technical cooperation with Ukraine. It's a matter of interest for both Kyiv and Seoul," Ponomarenko concluded.
Notably, South Korea has only provided Ukraine with non-lethal and humanitarian aid since the start of the war.
What is known about the North Korean POWs
In January 2025, Ukrainian soldiers captured two North Korean military personnel for the first time. The soldiers were wounded but survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they spoke with investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un take the prisoners. However, this would be conditional on him organizing an exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia.
Additionally, South Korea announced its intention to hold consultations with Ukraine regarding the possible transfer of the captured North Korean soldiers, provided they submit a corresponding request.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is using North Korean soldiers in its marine and airborne units for assault operations.
