Mon Jan 13 04:29:08 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Offers to Return Captured North Korean Soldiers

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday his willingness to return two captured North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. This offer follows South Korea’s confirmation that Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers on January 9th in the Kursk region of Russia.

The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated that one of the captured soldiers revealed he was initially told the deployment was for training purposes, only learning of the actual combat situation upon arrival in Russia. The NIS also confirmed significant North Korean casualties in the conflict, adding weight to earlier Ukrainian claims. Zelenskyy previously stated that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded fighting for Russia, while Seoul estimated the figure closer to 1,000.

Zelenskyy, in a post on X, emphasized that more North Korean soldiers are likely to be captured and that those not wishing to return to North Korea may be offered alternative options, including assisting in peace efforts. He directly accused Russia of relying on North Korean military assistance. A video released by Zelenskyy shows an interrogation of the two soldiers; one expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while the other indicated a preference to remain in Ukraine.

Both Russia and North Korea have yet to respond to these claims. The ongoing conflict continues, with Russia claiming the capture of two villages in eastern Ukraine on Sunday. The situation highlights the increasingly complex international dynamics of the war, with the involvement of North Korea adding another layer to the conflict.

Read More