South Korea will discuss with Ukraine the transfer of captured North Korean soldiers.

South Korea has announced its intention to conduct consultations with Ukraine regarding the potential transfer of captured North Korean soldiers. This comes after recent reports confirming the capture of two North Korean servicemen by Ukrainian forces.

According to Yonhap News, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lee Jae Woon, stated on Tuesday, January 14, that the government is prepared to begin negotiations with Ukraine if an official request for transfer is made.

“According to our Constitution, North Korean soldiers are recognized as citizens of the Republic of Korea. Therefore, the government plans to negotiate with Ukraine if they wish to transfer these individuals to South Korea,” said Lee.

The Constitution of South Korea defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, thereby recognizing all North Koreans as its citizens.

Despite this provision, Lee noted that none of the captured soldiers have expressed interest in being transferred to South Korea.

Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video featuring one of the captured North Korean soldiers. In the footage, the soldier expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine.

President Zelensky also commented on this matter on X, emphasizing the importance of revealing the truth about Russia's actions.

South Korean intelligence has confirmed the capture and stated its intention to maintain close coordination with Ukraine, ensuring the exchange of relevant information regarding the case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also clarified that communication between the two countries on this issue is ongoing. Earlier, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region during a special operation.

Background. As reported by South Korean intelligence, North Korean soldiers were ordered to kill themselves to avoid capture.